What Causes Tooth Staining

What Causes Tooth Staining

Age: There is a direct correlation between tooth color and age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. Teenagers will likely experience immediate, dramatic results from whitening. In the twenties, as the teeth begin to show a yellow cast, teeth-whitening may require a little more effort. By the forties, the yellow gives way to brown and more maintenance may be called for. By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed a host of stubborn stains which can prove difficult (but not impossible) to remove.

Starting color: We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time. Yellow-brown is generally more responsive to bleaching than green-grey.

Translucency and thinness: These are also genetic traits that become more pronounced with age. While all teeth show some translucency, those that are opaque and thick have an advantage: they appear lighter in color, show more sparkle and are responsive to bleaching. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent – most notably the front teeth – have less of the pigment that is necessary for bleaching. According to cosmetic dentist transparency is the only condition that cannot be corrected by any form of teeth whitening.

Eating habits: The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges and other deeply-colored beverages and foods causes considerable staining over the years. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface becomes more transparent and more of the yellow-colored dentin shows through.

Smoking habits: Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.

Drugs /chemicals: Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove. Excessive consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis and associated areas of white mottling. Grinding: Most frequently caused by stress, teeth grinding (gnashing, bruxing, etc.) can add to micro-cracking in the teeth and can cause the biting edges to darken.

Trauma: Falls and other injuries can produce sizable cracks in the teeth, which collect large amounts of stains and debris. [from Consumer Guide to dentistry]

Best Natural Tooth Whitening

Strawberries, And Lemons, And Peroxide, Oh My

Finding a home remedy for teeth whitening that works best may have you feeling like a glass slipper in search of the right foot. Not every home remedy for teeth whitening is going to be effective; some are more folklore than factual. A simple process or trial and elimination may be in order.

Hydrogen peroxide is probably the most common and popular natural lightening agent. It can be combined with lemon juice, baking soda, baking powder, or almost a dozen other ingredients. Different recipes will call for different amounts of peroxide.

Lemon juice by itself may not be the best home remedy for teeth whitening as the acidity can weaken teeth. Surprisingly enough, strawberries fall into the same acidic category. They are natural whiteners; simply rub them directly on your teeth or mash into a paste. But use both sparingly.

Apple cider and white vinegar are also used in a few home remedy recipes for teeth whitening. Wood ash is known for being a natural bleaching additive, but too much usage can cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away. And, like the vinegar, has a rather bitter taste.

You can also shop online for tooth whitening products. There are many out there so be sure and do your research. The leading kits on the market can be found for as little as a few hundred. At many places you can get a great discount purchasing more then one kit. This is great for those who have a mate These little tricks will help to brighten your teeth but only so much.

family, friends, life and living

today, rather than press on with the work that really needed to be done, I thought I would simply visit people within our workplace and listen to what they had to say, ask a question and then listen some more.

I continue to so very impressed with the quality of folks we have working with us. More so, I found that family, friends, life and living are 1st and foremost in their lives. It makes them feel good to give, and give, and give without any expectations in return.

Some are making gains and advances in their personal lives and mental health, and it shows up BIG time. Still others made the lives of others in underdeveloped counties better, and brought back a renewed appreciation for life and purpose here in the US.

I am so honored to be invited to be part of their lives through their stories. Their stories help me lead more effectively.

Medical Use Oral Side Affects

Some medications have been known to contribute to dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia), a relatively common medical condition that may lead to tooth decay, oral fungal infections, or speaking/swallowing difficulties. This is especially true for denture wearers. Other oral health side effects associated with certain medications include oral thrush, the shifting of teeth or tooth decay caused by excessive gum growth, according to articles in the Consumer Guide for Dentistry.

People use medications everyday for the treatment, maintenance, or relief of a variety of conditions and ailments. Medications are used to treat conditions such as PMS, sleeplessness, an overzealous appetite, tobacco addiction, allergic reactions, unwanted facial hair and hair loss. “Maintenance medications” may be used for the management of pain, arthritis, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, water retention, depression and anxiety. Medications for illnesses such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney disease, seizure, stroke or HIV may contribute to oral side effects.

It is important to let your internal medicine doctor and dentist know about the medications you are taking or plan to take. This includes, prescription medication, over the counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Your internal medicine doctor and dentist can help you understand any potential oral health side effects that may occur as a result of medication use. This level of preparedness may help you avoid the development of any oral health issues, including dry mouth syndrome, tooth decay or discoloration.

Greg Johnstone,
Consumer Guide for Dentistry

Yes Teeth Whiteners Do Work

Yes Teeth whiteners do work, Read the instructions carefully. Understand what you are looking to achieve and over what period of time. Don't expect immediate results from home whiteners.

Tiger in the news AGAIN?!? - Brush-on or Foam-tip Applicators

Pens with brush-on or foam-tip applicators provide what has been billed as fuss-free instant whitening. Used directly after meals or in daily regimens, as alternatives to whitening trays and strips, these whiteners are often considered instant "antidotes" to new stains from food, especially just-consumed red wine.

But dental professionals are divided as to the effectiveness of paint-on whiteners. Some consider them useful adjuncts to in-office or tray bleaching. Others have yet to see any meaningful results with these whiteners. Consumer Guide to Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry, Trends, and Treatments - Heisman Trophy Awards

Cosmetic Dentistry, Trends, and Treatments
At-Home Teeth Whitening, by Linda Dyett *

Professionals agree that the only way to maintain your whitened teeth is with at-home bleaching products, repeated regularly – preferably every four to six months.

Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Peroxide-based teeth whitening gained popularity in the early 1990s. It was limited to custom-made bleaching tray treatments that were available only at dental offices. The consensus is that dentist-dispensed whitening trays and whitening strips, when used as directed, can be even more successful than in-office bleaching over the long haul.

Small amounts of bleach remain within the tooth structure for up to 36 hours. When a new dose of bleach is applied to a tooth retaining the previous day's peroxide, its effect is greater.

*Linda Dyett
Consulting Writer
Ms. Dyett is a New York-based writer/editor with specialties in oral health, general health, and dermatology, as well as in a variety of consumer issues. She developed and was editor-in-chief of Oh, What Beautiful Teeth, an innovative consumer dental magazine published in 2004–2005. She also developed and edited the award-winning Conde Nast Skin (2000). Her consumer-oriented articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Allure, In Style, Glamour (where she was beauty editor), Lears (where she was a senior editor), Prevention, and other publications. A book she co-authored on skin care and DNA will be published in 2008.