Novato Cosmetic Dentist Provides Tips for a Bright Smile

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jul 28, 2014

A professional teeth whitening treatment at the Novato Cosmetic Dentist office is an easy way to brighten your teeth and give your smile a boost for any special event. For your convenience, we offer several options that will effectively whiten discolored teeth. But many patients wonder what causes discoloration of teeth and how the problem can be avoided.

Aging

Everyone’s teeth become worn and somewhat discolored as they age. You may be extremely proactive with your oral hygiene, but your teeth will still become slightly pitted and worn over time.This wearing of enamel causes teeth to become more prone to discoloration because stains can penetrate the porous surface more easily.  Contributing to the yellow appearance of the teeth is the fact that as enamel wears away, the underlying dentin within the tooth becomes more apparent.

Improper Dental Hygiene

If you don’t practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular cleanings at our dentist office, you are most likely contributing to the discoloration of your teeth. Lack of proper at-home oral hygiene will always result in yellowing of the teeth, causing other major dental problems as well.

Genetics

We can’t do anything to change our inherent genetic makeup. The natural color of your teeth is as distinct as you are, which is why some people have teeth with a yellowish hue. The reason for this is that the outer layer of dental enamel has a more translucent quality, causing the dentin beneath to seem more obvious.

Staining

Certain foods and drinks such as red wine, tobacco products, dark fruit juices or sodas (like cola) definitely contribute to the discoloration of dental enamel. It is not necessary or even recommended that you cut out all these foods completely. But you will have a better chance of maintaining a healthy white smile if you remember to brush or at least rinse your mouth after ingesting these products.

Great first impressions are created with a beautiful white smile. Greeting the world with a fresh, bright smile can also boost your self confidence. The Novato Cosmetic Dentist provides several teeth whitening options that bring back the beauty of your teeth and give you a smile that you can be proud of.