Despite what sellers of numerous over-the-counter treatments claim, only one chemical can change the color of teeth. Hydrogen peroxide and its near relative carbamide peroxide (which breaks down fast into hydrogen peroxide) penetrate the enamel and oxidize dark-colored molecules within the strong tooth structure. It bleaches the underlying tooth color to a whiter tint by breaking down darkly colored components.
Read about teeth whitening and where to find a dentist on Rockville Pike.
Teeth Whitening: What You Should Know
Teeth whitening is the most common form of cosmetic dentistry, with millions of Americans opting for treatment each year. Teeth darken over time, even with good oral care and regular dental checkups. Many people utilize teeth whitening to keep their smiles dazzling white for the rest of their lives.
What Causes Teeth to Change Colors?
Throughout our lives, various changes can occur that cause teeth to seem darker or yellower in color. Some of these changes can be avoided, while others cannot. The good news is that they all respond favorably to whitening solutions in general!
A quick study of dental anatomy will help you comprehend these changes and how genuine teeth whitening works. Teeth are made up of a hollow chamber called the pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels and is bordered by a yellow hard substance called dentin.
The majority of each tooth is made up of dentin. Enamel forms a hard coating over the teeth area that is not encased in the jawbone, covering the dentin (all but the roots). Enamel is a white, slightly translucent material.
External Changes
A darker appearance of the teeth can be caused by changes to the external surface of the enamel. If you understand these, you may make different choices, preventing black stains from recurring throughout your life.
Surface Staining
Dark pigments from the foods and drinks we consume can build up on the enamel surface, resulting in external (also known as extrinsic) staining. Extrinsic stains can be caused by anything dark, but coffee, tea, and tobacco products are the most common offenders.
The degree of surface staining that occurs depends on the surface texture of the enamel. Enamel that is glassy smooth is more stain-resistant than enamel that is rough and pitted.
Enamel Thinning
Another factor that affects the look of tooth color is enamel thinning. As discussed in our tooth anatomy review, the enamel is white and slightly translucent. This implies that more underlying yellow dentin becomes visible as the enamel wears away or thins. Acid erosion is the most common cause of enamel thinning.
A high intake of acidic liquids (such as sodas, fruit juices, sports drinks, lemon, lime-flavored waters, etc.) might cause this. It could also be a symptom of severe acid reflux, generally known as GERD. Unfortunately, enamel does not regenerate or sprout. It can only be swapped with dental restorations once it’s gone.
Internal Changes
Changes within the teeth can also cause teeth to appear darker or yellower. You can’t stop these changes from happening, but you can understand them and work with your dentist to get the white smile you want.
Teeth Yellowing Due to Natural Aging
Teeth are naturally yellow as they age. This is a normal aging process in which the dentin, the core structure of teeth, thickens. Dentin thickens naturally over time due to the usual wear and tear of chewing for decades. The golden tint of the dentin darkens and becomes more impenetrable as it thickens. The darkness beneath the enamel shows through its translucence, giving it a yellow tint.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is an investment in your smile, and like all investments, we recommend you understand your options, seek professional advice, and feel comfortable with the practitioner performing your procedure. To get the long-lasting beautiful white smile you’ve always dreamed about, come and talk to one of the experienced cosmetic dentists.
Get top-notch dental care for your family. Pike District Smiles provides general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, dental implants, Invisalign, etc. We service in Bethesda, Rockville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, and Potomac, MD. Contact us if you’re interested in teeth whitening.
