Many drinks, such as red wine, tea, and coffee, can stain your teeth. These drinks contain tannins that cling to your tooth enamel. Over time, the tannins start to build up, leading to discoloration.

Acidic foods are also responsible for discoloring your teeth. Citrus fruits, for example, can erode your enamel. Once the surface enamel is eroded, your teeth become more susceptible to staining.

The nicotine and tar in tobacco can damage not only your lungs but they can also stain the surface of your teeth. The yellow stains that result from smoking are difficult to remove and often require a professional whitening procedure.

Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth regularly can result in plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. This can lead to dental decay, gum disease, and yellow teeth. Brushing your teeth daily can resolve this problem. However, if you have neglected your teeth for a while, you may need professional intervention to return your teeth to their previous color.

As you age, the thickness of your enamel gradually diminishes. This decrease typically happens between the ages of 50 to 65. After 65, the amount of enamel you have is approximately one-third less than people below the age of 50.[2] This thinning makes teeth appear more yellow.

Some medications, such as antipsychotic medication, can discolor your teeth. This is often a side effect of the medication. Tetracycline-containing medications can stain teeth.[5] Additionally, antihistamines have been associated with tooth discoloration.

Genetics can play a role in teeth discoloration as well. Two known conditions can lead to yellow teeth. These are Dentinogenesis Imperfecta and Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is an inherited disorder that affects the development of your teeth. Teeth are typically translucent and discolored as a result.[3]

Amelogenesis Imperfecta occurs in people who have abnormal enamel development. This issue is also inherited. Teeth are smaller than usual, discolored, and break easily.[4]

Discolored teeth may be a result of a blow or injury to your mouth. The injury could cause structural changes to your enamel or result in pulp necrosis.[6] Pulp necrosis occurs when the soft tissue inside your tooth dies. As a result, the affected tooth could turn gray.

Because many factors can lead to discolored teeth, it’s important to get a professional assessment from our cosmetic dentist. We’ll be able to determine if the procedure is safe for you. We can also provide a customized treatment plan. We are aware that everyone’s situation is different. An ideal treatment plan for you may not be suitable for another client, for instance. Our approach ensures that we tailor a whitening plan to your needs and the shade of your teeth.

When you use OTC whitening products, your teeth may be too sensitive for the concentration you choose. Our cosmetic dentist, on the other hand, will provide you with a comprehensive examination and determine the best way to whiten your teeth. Whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-solution.

We sit with our clients to discuss not only their needs but also the condition of their teeth. Are the stains extrinsic or intrinsic, for example? That answer alone involves a different approach. We also choose the right whitening gel, the concentration best suited to your needs, and the application method.

Sometimes, teeth are unevenly colored. There may be more discoloring on the side teeth and less on the front teeth. This uneven discoloration will require a customized approach. We also take into consideration any existing dental work you have, such as crowns, fillings, or veneers. Remember that dental restorations won’t respond to whitening gels in the same way your natural teeth will. To avoid a difference in color between your natural teeth and dental restorations, we provide a customized treatment plan.

Professional supervision and support throughout the whitening process is an invaluable aspect of opting for professional whitening treatment. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products where you’re left to navigate the process solo, choosing professional treatment means entrusting your oral health to trained dental professionals who are equipped to handle any underlying issues you may not even be aware of, such as gum problems or cavities.

At our practice, our dedicated dental team takes on the responsibility of overseeing the entire whitening procedure from start to finish, ensuring not only optimal results but also your safety and comfort throughout. We meticulously apply the whitening agent in a controlled manner, carefully monitoring for any signs of sensitivity or discomfort at every stage of the process. If we need to make adjustments to minimize your discomfort, we’ll do so immediately.

Dental insurance coverage can be complicated. Worse, some people simply don’t have it. That’s where our in-house dental savings plan can help. Ranieu Family Dental plan offers an affordable dental savings plan for our patients.

• 15-20% off additional dental work
• $1000 off full treatment Invisalign
• $425 Zoom Whitening Treatment

Tooth sensitivity is a side effect of whitening your teeth. As stated above, this sensitivity is temporary and it should disappear within a few days. However, to help manage your sensitivity, here are some steps you can take:

• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne. We can also offer a desensitizing gel that can help soothe the sensitive areas.

• Although we place a protective barrier on your gums and lips to avoid irritation, you may still experience some irritation in these areas. To manage this, apply some aloe vera gel to that area. If your whitening trays are irritating your gums, make an appointment with our office. Our dental team can adjust the trays so they fit better.

• The whitening treatment may irriate your inner cheeks and tongue. To help manage the discomfort, rinse your mouth with a saline solution.

As a safety precaution, we tell all our patients that they must undergo an assessment so we can check their oral health. This step ensures that your dental issues are addressed before undergoing the whitening procedure. There are other contraindications to be aware of, however.

If your teeth are unusually sensitive to cold, hot, or acidic foods, you may be at an increased risk of suffering more sensitivity than normal. If this is the case, we can provide options to minimize sensitivity.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to postpone your teeth whitening procedure. Although there is no definitive research on how whitening affects pregnant women, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Another contraindication is age. We do not recommend you whiten your teeth if you are under the age of 16 or if your teeth are still developing. At this age, your dental enamel is still forming and whitening agents may permanently damage the enamel.

If you are allergic to any ingredients in whitening gels, such as carbamide peroxide, the whitening procedure is probably not one you should consider. Our dental office can provide other options if you have stained or discolored teeth, such as veneers.