Do you, like many others, dream of having a perfect, bright smile? Are you hesitant to flash a grin because your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like? A bright and healthy smile is not just about looks; it’s important for your oral and overall health too. In this article, we’ll explore why teeth can become discolored and the benefits of teeth whitening treatments.
First off, let’s talk about why your teeth might lose their sparkle over time.
Diet: Foods and drinks with dark pigments, like tea, coffee, berries, and red wine, contain chromogens. These are strong pigments that stick to your teeth, giving your enamel a dull appearance if you don’t keep up with brushing and flossing.
Tobacco: Both tar and nicotine can stain your teeth. Tar is naturally dark, while nicotine turns yellow when exposed to oxygen, leading to yellowed teeth.
Medications: Some medications like antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs can cause tooth discoloration. Even chemotherapy targeting the head or neck can lead to stained teeth.
Age: As you age, the hard, white outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, gets thinner. This reveals the softer, yellow dentin layer underneath.
Trauma: An impact to the mouth from an accident or activity can prompt your teeth to produce more dentin, which is darker and can change the color of your teeth.
Now that we’ve gone over why teeth may lose their whiteness, let’s dive into the benefits of teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening can lower your risk of oral health problems. It helps prevent gum disease, which can cause bleeding, infections, bad breath, tooth loss, and abscesses. The gels used in professional whitening treatments destroy bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease, and they help balance the pH in your mouth, removing yellowness and stains.
Gum disease can cause gums to become inflamed, and this inflammation can spread. Some studies suggest that this may impact cognitive function. By reducing the risk of gum disease with whitening treatments, you might also reduce the risk of certain mental health issues.
Research has linked poor oral health with conditions like stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and COPD. People who opt for teeth whitening reduce their risk of gum disease and tooth decay, helping to protect their overall health.
Professional teeth whitening offers reliable, quick, and long-lasting results with fewer side effects compared to over-the-counter options. It’s a straightforward and efficient choice for achieving a healthy, bright smile compared to other cosmetic procedures.
With whiter teeth, you can smile freely in any setting, boosting your confidence. Smiling releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones, which lift your mood. A clean, bright smile encourages more frequent and confident smiling, promoting these positive effects.
If you’re considering a convenient and safe way to whiten your teeth, visit your family dentist today.