Top 5 Causes of Teeth Staining

We all are gifted with dazzling teeth till they become stained and start discoloring with increasing age or excessive use of nicotine and caffeine. The outermost covering of teeth, enamel, protects our teeth from various trauma and acid attacks due to the effects of different foods. But the enamel gradually starts decaying, contributing to the discoloring of the teeth, revealing the inner dentin which is yellow in color. Thus at the end, we are left with ugly and discolored teeth. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to educate ourselves more about the causes of tooth staining.

Old age comes with a lot of health problems and teeth discoloration is one of them. It has been predominantly seen in old age people as compared to young ones. Teeth whitening kits work more effectively and immediately for teenagers. But as the age increases, it requires more effort to fix the discoloration. It has been detected that people who used the whitening kits in their twenties fail to get the quick result unlike teenagers. Till twenties, it is the yellow color of the teeth that troubles the most. But in forties, the brown color takes the place of yellow which looks nastier. Shockingly, in fifties, stains become more obdurate which become very difficult to eradicate.

Diet plays an important role in eroding the enamel. Continuous intake of coffee, tea, cola, red wine, carrots, oranges, and other dark-colored food and beverages contributes to extensive staining. Additionally, acidic food like citrus fruits and vinegar intensifies the process of enamel erosion. Therefore, the upper layer of the teeth become more transparent exposing the yellow-colored dentin layer.

Smoking invites tooth discoloration along with fatal diseases. Cigarette contains nicotine that imparts brownish deposits which gradually soak into the teeth structure and finally results in staining. Chewing tobacco leaves also has the same effect on teeth.

Drugs in many cases cause tooth damage. Both illegal as well as prescription drugs cause tooth damage. Medicines like Aspirin, Antihistamines, Asthma drugs, and Syrups have a bad effect on teeth. Continuous use of illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Crack cocaine, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine, and Heroin also strongly help cause tooth decay. Chemicals like fluoride found in many tooth pastes and water supplies cause white or discolored spot on the teeth surface through fluorosis.

Teeth grinding facilitates micro-cracking in the teeth and even causes the biting edges to darken. It is generally caused by gashing and bruxing. Sometimes injury caused by sudden accident creates crack in the teeth which eventually collect stains and debris in large quantity.

It is surprising that sometimes even dental treatments cause discoloration. White fillings of the teeth have been commonly reported to experience staining. Though not directly visible, metal fillings too assist in discoloration of the teeth.

Naturally, we all are born with teeth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey. Over the years, the color pattern changes due to the interference of physical and chemical agents. We can easily avoid discoloration if we take a little care of our teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3485107

Learn Your Teeth Whitening Options: From Professional Services To DIY Kits

So you have a low self-esteem right now no thanks to yellowish set of teeth. That’s tough, especially if you are the kind of person who puts a premium on the way you look and the way people look at you. But this should not be the end of the world for you. There are answers. And the answers to your problems are teeth whitening solutions that come in many forms and prices. We consider all these options available for you, and we check their differences and the benefits that can be delivered to you.

Options offered in supermarket and drugstores

For those who want to take care of the problem themselves, the products offered at supermarkets and drugstores are the solutions. These products that are available here will often contain lesser amount of whitening agents. Or the concentration of hydrogen peroxide for these products is less than what the professionals use. In many counts, the concentration of the peroxide for these products varies from 3 to 6 percent. For this reason, the efficacy and the reliability can be questioned depending on the actual product. For this set of bleaching agents, the usual recommendation is to use twice daily and the waiting time can reach two weeks before the effects can be realized. In terms of price, expect to pay $3 to $10 for teeth whitening toothpastes. And for other bleaching formulations, some over the counter products can fetch around $30.

Take home bleaching agents (Professional Strength)

Another option is to consider the professional strength bleach as recommended by many dentists. This option can come in two variants, the one with carbamide peroxide or the one with hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching formulation products will often come complete with the custom-fitted tray so that will be used by the dentist to get an impression of the teeth of the person. When this treatment option is considered, the treatment may be performed for as short as 30 minutes to as long as 8 hours. And what is the cost of this whitening solution? Expect to pay from $300 to $600 and this will include all the bleaching materials.

What about laser whitening

Laser whitening is done on the office or the clinic of the attending dentist. And in order to get the results, you may need to have one to four treatments. For this approach, gels are used and these gels do contain some peroxide-based formulations. And the use of the gels is complemented through the use of the lasers to facilitate the whitening process. You can consider this option as one of the most expensive solutions towards white teeth. You will need to have at most four treatments to get the results that you want, and each treatment will cost you at least $600.

Of all these options available, what could be best for your needs? In the end, the budget and your convenience will serve as the two primary factors in shopping for teeth whitening solutions. If budget is not an issue, then you can always go for the professionally-provided services.

Teeth Whitening and Bleaching

Unlike temporary teeth which are shiny, very white and very clean looking, the permanent teeth that follow once the deciduous teeth are lost are usually less porous. Because of this, permanent teeth come in varying shades from white to off-white and sometimes to yellowish. It could shade darker as the person grows older, perfectly normal.

While the darkening of the teeth as it ages is mainly due to the changes in the teeth’s mineral structure, the enamel at the same time gets less porous and less shiny making it more susceptible to stains from bacterial pigments, medication, tobacco, wine, coffee, tea and food. No matter how good the hygiene of a person is, the teeth simply ages. Rightly or wrongly, white brilliant teeth are attributed to health, youth, good grooming and being clean.

In an age where getting the best foot forward is never possible without having a pleasant smile, whitening the teeth no matter the age and no matter the lifestyle, completes the projection that a person wants to convey across. Good thing that there are many ways to do this fast, effective and not costly. This could be done with professional help although for the most part, a DIY – at home whitening does wonders as well. The most common methods are using bleaching pens, bleaching strips, gels and natural bleaching, most of which could be obtained from the local pharmacy and dental supply stores.

There are however some risks involved when doing teeth whitening at home as some teeth could be sensitive than others and gums could also be irritated that could cause degrees of discomfort. When whitening the teeth at home, it will always be recommended to use those that have low concentration of whitening agents. Although this method is far less effective and takes a while longer, it is also the safest. When using hydrogen peroxide for example, the concentration of the mix that is recommended at the back of the bottle should be adhered strictly if not less than what is recommended just to test it out. While studies have shown (Kugel et al) that the effect of peroxides at decreasing the tooth enamel is very insignificant, it nonetheless tends to make the teeth more sensitive for some time and when the proportion of the mix is on the strong side, the mix could result to painful gums and cause irritation to the surrounding tissues inside the mouth.

Some stains though are not so easy to remove and may take longer treatment for the whitening agent to reach the dentine layer. For stubborn stains and uncomfortably dark shades in the teeth, self help may no longer suffice. Treatments could be done by a professional who could use custom bleaching trays, laser treatment, and in cases where discoloration is ugly, porcelain veneers could be applied including dental bonding.

Although teeth whitening are only cosmetic, the reward it provides a person in terms of confidence and a general feeling good grooming and of well-being is enormous.

What’s In Teeth Whitening Paste And What To Expect?

What’s the basis for the love for white teeth? Well it’s all about looking good and feeling better. Because teeth yellow naturally as it age, a person naturally looks for ways on how to reverse that slide. The nice thing is that manufacturers and cosmetic producers and practitioners are all aware of these needs. And that they swamp the market with goods and services that can address this concern. And the teeth whitening paste is one answer offered and being tried by millions in order to whiten their teeth. So does this product work its wonders and deliver on its promise?

Up to some extent, yes this product is a good teeth whitening. When used the right way and in the right amount, this can effectively remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. Majority of these stains that can be removed by the paste include stains made by drinking coffee or by smoking. The paste can be used as well in the bleaching and at the same time best used when maintaining that shiny white teeth. But be reminded that this product will not work to change the natural color of the teeth that has been overly exposed to the fluoride during its development.

In theory, what makes the teeth whitening toothpaste works are its major ingredients. These products may contain special abrasives and these are the ingredients that work to remove the dirt on the teeth. And these products will always contain chemicals. And it is the role of these chemicals to break down the stains taken down by the abrasives.

Half of the reason why this product works can be linked to the proper use and application. It is recommended by oral health practitioners that this should be used twice a day. And through continuous use of around two to four weeks, there will be changes in the color of the teeth. Right now there are advances in the technology that allows for the teeth to become whiter at a shorter period of time. These new products contain blue covarine.

So how safe is the teeth whitening toothpaste?

The good news is that this product is safe for everyday use. But when abused, then this can bring damage to the teeth than joy. The excessive use and abuse of the teeth whitening paste may damage the person’s enamel. So here’s the thing, use the product in moderation, or as recommended by the manufacturer. And to get into the safer track, when shopping for this kind of toothpaste you may want to get the paste that carries the seal of approval of the American Dental Association. The seal of approval indicates that the toothpaste that you are holding has been found to be effective in cleaning and in making the teeth white.

These products are also best for preventing or reducing the incidence of tooth decay. Remember that the teeth whitening toothpaste is just one of the many options in order to make that teeth white. Consider options and always talk with the dentist first.

Teeth Whitening – The Causes Of Teeth Staining

No matter how fastidious a person is, the teeth will always change its appearance and color. The youthful glow and sparkle of young teeth will in time lost its sheen as the enamel starts developing tiny cracks that will eventually lose the crystalline rods in the tooth, thinning the enamel making the teeth more transparent and showing through the yellowish color of the dentin. Even discounting this natural aging of the teeth, eating habits, food choices, medication, lifestyles, health conditions and many other factors will develop the tiny cracks in the enamel allowing debris to accumulate between the spaces staining the teeth.

Extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining are the two basic types at which the teeth develop stains and discoloration.

Extrinsic stains are developed in the surface of the teeth that resulted from the accumulation of food debris and color. While superficial stains and discoloration could be removed by prophylactic cleaning and brushing, there are stains that are a little more stubborn and could accumulate between the spaces of the tiny cracks in the tooth that would need bleaching to remove the stains. When the stains are not effectively removed and stays on the teeth for a period of time, this could penetrate deeper into the dentin which could require more involved methods.

Those stains that form beneath the enamel are intrinsic stains. Previously, intrinsic stains are believed to be resistant to treatments although today most of it could be removed with close supervision from qualified professionals. Intrinsic stains are caused by the natural process of aging, trauma to the tooth, exposure to drugs containing tetracycline and flourosis.

Other factor that stains the teeth is grinding. Grinding often attributed to stress accelerates micro cracking of the tooth enamel that will hold tiny debris to be accumulated. It also causes the edges of the tooth shade darker, faster. Another big factor is smoking. Nicotine is brownish in color that could stick in the enamel of the tooth and even soak in its structure causing internal discoloration. Red wine may be good for the heart but it contains a high concentration of tannins that causes staining fast.

DNA. All teeth are translucent to some degree. There are people though that are born with teeth that are more translucent than most. Teeth that are more translucent tend to show more staining than those with more opaque teeth.

Teeth transparency is the only known teeth condition today that could not benefit from teeth whitening and teeth bleaching. On the other hand, no amount of teeth bleaching will whiten teeth more than its natural color. In some cases, it could artificially be done but never recommended.

No matter how teeth whitening and bleaching is done, anything involving cosmetic enhancements and restoration is subjective that varies from person to person. There will always be limits to this that are often the cause of the feeling of well being or disappointment.

A good point therefore before any teeth whitening and bleaching is done is ask a realistic assessment from the dentist.

The Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are very popular. In fact sales of teeth whitening strips are rising steadily that it is expected to surpass sales of whitening toothpastes soon. The main reason for this is its ease of application, availability and affordability.

Teeth whitening strips are a comparatively new addition to teeth whitening for home use. The idea is to provide the customer with less messy, more convenient, least expensive but still provide effective whitening results compared to other teeth whitening home systems.

Teeth whitening strips are very flexible, very easy to use thin strips of plastic coated with bleaching agents that stick to the teeth. It comes in pairs designed for the upper and the lower teeth configuration and is applied in areas where the teeth are visible as the person smiles. Unlike other teeth whiteners, the whitening is only on the aesthetic area and like all whitening products; it is kept in the mouth for a period of time. Customers use the plastic strips while watching television, working out, doing household chores or overnight.

The usual active bleaching ingredient is carbamide peroxide. Some strips uses hydrogen peroxide but only with 6% strength where normal concentration ranges from 10 to 20%. Since carbamide peroxide is only half the strength of hydrogen peroxide, the visible effect will take about two weeks of continued use, much longer than bleaching trays that contains hydrogen peroxide and in-office treatments but because it is, teeth whitening strips is gentle and comfortable to even those with very sensitive teeth and gums.

Another reason for its popular use is that while the strips are thin, usual bleaching trays are bulky that could aggravate jaw problems, trigger gag reflex and messier to wear and remove. These differences allow a person to do much of the normal activities with less interference.

Still like most everything, there is a downside to teeth whitening strips. For one, the adhesive used may not stick very well in the teeth or it could fall off, sometimes at an unfortunate time. People who use the strips while sleeping could find out the morning after that the bleaching is to be reapplied all over again. Besides, the results, no matter how diligently done, will never equal to in-office whitening where the procedure is conducted and is professionally supervised by a dentist.

All cosmetic enhancements are subjective to the person. While companies are aiming to give superior results every time and is continuously working at providing such, customers could sometimes fall on the side the unsatisfied. When using teeth whitening plastic strips therefore, the person has to lower the expectation. Realistically, plastic strips are designed as a do-it-yourself-at-home remedy. Unlike teeth whitening trays that are designed by a dentist or a licensed practitioner to fit personalized requirements, the strips are for general use and therefore are designed to address every possible requirement without causing discomfort.

There is no risk to using dental strips, however if the person wants a whitened teeth as soon as possible which could meet particular expectations, the dentist is irreplaceable.

Teeth Whitening – How It Works

The outermost layer of a tooth is the enamel. This is a thin layer that partly covers the tooth and forms a wrap for the exposed crown. Following that is the dentin. The dentin is very similar to the enamel except it is not as hard and as shiny and while the enamel is generally white in appearance, the dentin is not. Extrinsic tooth stains forms in the enamel while for the most part, intrinsic stains that show trough the enamel occur in the dentin.

First, the tooth enamel is a highly mineralized very hard part of the tooth composed of strand of rod-like crystalline materials. These rods while very tightly packed have microscopic gaps in between them. The density of the crystalline rods differs from individual to individual and explains the reason why some tooth enamel are tougher than another person’s enamel. Nonetheless, all most all of us are born with bright shiny teeth. Even the permanent tooth that follows later invisibly white is cast.

Through everyday wear and tear, the gaps between the rods fill up with debris, tannins and other coloration that stains it. Anything that is put in the mouth will leave its mark trough forming a pellicle film over the teeth which initiated in the pores between the rods. While brushing rids most of the materials that are accumulating, not all of it is removed. Over the years, the accumulation of the debris forms layer upon layer of film that show eventually as stain.

The good thing is that while the staining agents worked its way through the pores in the rods, the whitening agents also use that access to free the teeth of the stains through oxidation reaction. For this two main whitening agents are used, the hydrogen peroxide which is a strong bleaching agent for many bleaching purposes and the much milder carbamide peroxide.

Although hydrogen peroxide is usually the bleaching agent used in in-office procedures it could also be used at home for those who do not have hypersensitivity in the gums or in the teeth. For most practices though Carbamide peroxide is used for home whitening kits. Carbamide peroxide although slower acting also works very much like a hydrogen peroxide. When in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide with hydrogen peroxide being the bleaching agent.

The dentin on the other hand could also catch stains. Many stains when allowed for a long period of time could get into the dentin forming stains that could show through the enamel. Other factors which could easily get through the enamel to the dentin are cracks in the teeth suffered through a trauma to the tooth, grinding, aging and other accidents. Blood leeching inside the tooth will also tend to stay there and form a stain.

While extrinsic stains are easier to remove, intrinsic stains usually needs more involved professional supervision. The basics though are the same. A bleaching agent will be applied and over a period of time, stains disappear through the stains reaction to oxidation.

Professional Laser Teeth Whitening Services Dissected

Having yellow teeth is no longer a problem, well at least according to many dental practitioners. There are a number of professional cleaning and teeth whitening services, and it’s now easy for you to change from that person with yellow teeth to that person with shiny white set of teeth.

The services will vary to address different needs and preferences and the costs are minimal as well thus making these professional services easy for many people interested to improve the quality of their smile. In today’s dental cosmetic market, the most popular procedure is called the laser tooth whitening. But there are other options available too that forms part of the so-called professional teeth whitening services. All these services are discussed and dissected below.

Laser teeth whitening procedure

This is how the process works. The dentist will begin with the minor cleaning procedure which will include the removal of existing plaque in the gum line. Once cleaned, a gel fortified with peroxide is then applied to the targeted teeth. This gel in question contains peroxide in just the right quantity that can ensure that the teeth will whiten. And since this is the laser whitening procedure, expect that light will be used as well and this is used to activate the gel. The whole procedure will go on for an hour and could whiten the teeth by as much as 10 shades. There will be times when the procedure may be repeated more than once to ensure that the deep stains can be addressed.

Can you still undergo the laser procedure even if you have sensitive teeth?

The good news is that even if you have sensitive teeth, this will not be an issue when it comes to the laser approach to teeth whitening. Since majority of the sessions for laser technology will be made just for a single visit, then this will definitely serve as good news for the person with the sensitive teeth.

Prepare for the costs

If this is the kind of procedure that you would want to take for your problematic teeth, then make sure that you are ready to face the costs. And since this is a new technology in the market, the cost of the procedure is still high and it will take some time before the actual costs can be lowered. But this current cost does not stop those who want to have whiter teeth and the practitioners offering this service. Right now, there are dentists that offer these services at reduced prices thus making these services affordable for the bigger set of consumers.

Just how much should you prepare when you will select these professional services?

By some estimates, you need to raise at least $300 and for top of the line services you need $2000. The costs for these procedures will definitely change depending on the area you are living in. But as others would say, cost is nothing if compared to the joys and the confidence of owning a set of white teeth.

What To Remember When Shopping For Teeth Whitening Paste

Many studies have it- teeth whitening pastes that are available in the supermarket works and are safe. And when used properly, say twice daily the expected effect by the person can be realized in as a short as two weeks. And everyone can even increase the chance of being in the safe side if they can shop for the whitening tooth paste that is approved by the American Dental Association. And if you are one of those who will try this product for the first time due to its efficacy and safety, there are some things to note and to remember. Listed below are easy-to-do reminders when shopping for your first toothpaste whitener:

• Take seriously what the American Dental Association says. This is the leading organization and entity that you would want to listen to with regards to any products related to dental care. They often select products that comply with their standards. And if the organization is to be consulted, it is best to ask for assistance from your dentist before buying impulsively.

• Bleaching is one of the roles performed by the whitening paste. Now did you know that the efficacy of the bleaching will depend on the amount of peroxide used in the toothpaste? And will also depend on the time used in contact with the teeth? The products that you can get normally from the supermarket will contain around 10 percent peroxide. And the pastes used professionally may contain up to 43 percent peroxide content. Now the next time that you are in need of teeth whitening you know where to turn no.

• Speaking of bleaching, this is what you need if you have yellow teeth. If you have brown or gray teeth, then bleaching will not be as effective as you will expect.

• When shopping for this product, do keep in mind that the crowns, the fillings and the veneers will not be affected by the whitening action of the paste.

• Complement the use of the whitening toothpaste with the services of professional teeth cleaner. This is something that you would like to do if you want to achieve the best results for your teeth. The dentist or any professional is the one that will do the initial cleaning process. The dirt and the stains at the surface of the teeth will be removed, and will be primed up for the whitening session courtesy of the whitening toothpaste.

• Buy the desensitizing toothpaste. This is one good investment if you want to take teeth whitening seriously. This can be used before and after using the teeth whitening toothpaste. The use of this product will limit the sensitizing effects.

What are listed above are some things that should be kept in mind when looking for a teeth whitening toothpaste. This is totally different from your ordinary toothpaste, and as such shopping for the product requires special considerations as well. When you are properly guided, for sure you will get the right product for your needs- just like a teeth whitening toothpaste.

Teeth Whitening – Popular Beliefs, Adverts and Facts

Stains catch attentions easily, when the stain is in the teeth, more so.

How you look today is very important. This is why local home teeth whitening products have become very popular. The dentist will always give the best advice, treatment and service, and it is recommended that even for simple cosmetic enhancements there must at least be a professional consultation. After the initial consultation, the process of getting an appointment, finding the time and actually sitting in the dentist’s chair is not always convenient besides there are a lot of conditions where it is actually more practical to get a teeth whitening kit and apply it at home where the person could save enormously on fees and time.

First off though, toothpastes no matter how it is advertised to whiten the teeth do not contain enough substances to alter the color of the teeth. What it contains are silica for example and some aluminum and calcium that will be enough to remove stains but not really to counter the natural discoloration of the teeth as it ages nor does it contain substances that react with the mineral structure to whiten a dark colored teeth.

Second, most tooth bleaching agents such as gurgles and gels contain peroxide. It is not entirely true that using bleaching agents containing such reduces the enamel of the teeth over time. If it does, it is actually very negligible and so does not have adverse effect on the tooth. Sure there could be, in some cases, mild irritation and tooth sensitivity during the initial stages but these usually are gone after a few days of treatment. What basically it does though is change the color of the teeth superficially.

Not all teeth discoloration is superficial. The teeth could be stained from the inside that will show on the outside that will not go away no matter the strips, gels, whitening pastes, bleaching pens and gurgles done. For example, blood that has leeched inside a tooth will discolor it. For these, internal bleaching must be done by a professional. The process is basically the same. A bleaching agent will be placed and sealed inside the tooth that will make its shade lighter given time.

Not all teeth are white. The teeth have sixteen varying shades. While a temporary tooth may be sparkling white, the teeth replacing it may be not. As a person grows older, the teeth darken in shade, no matter how healthy and no matter how clean. But a clean white and shiny teeth is so important, very much so that even in ancient times royalties and people who can afford it applies whitening powder to their teeth even when it has proven to accelerate teeth rotting.

So important in fact that while not all of us could flash a George Clooney smile, we do not want to draw attention where the attention should not be. For one thing, it could very well probably be that the person you just talked too, if the person was paying attention could not be looking at you in the eyes but was watching your mouth while you speak.