The goal of regular, routine dental treatment is to keep your smile healthy and free of dental diseases, like tooth decay and gingivitis. But your smile’s appearance is also an important consideration; even when your teeth are healthy, they might start to stain after years of exposure to colorful foods and beverages. The good news is that teeth stains aren’t usually a big problem, and erasing them is often simple with professional teeth whitening. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, then ask your dentist about teeth whitening during your next regularly scheduled visit.
When Teeth Start to Stain
In some cases, discoloration in one or more teeth can mean a serious problem, such as a tooth infection or internal trauma to the tooth. However, in most cases, teeth stains are simply a cosmetic concern resulting from a lifetime of being exposed to colorful molecules (tannins) in food. When teeth start to stain, you may not notice at first, though your dentist may notice the difference during your examination and recommend teeth whitening to brighten them before the staining grows more pronounced.
The Power of Professional Teeth Whitening
To bring the youthful glow back to your smile, professional teeth whitening works by breaking up the stains on the surfaces of your teeth. The peroxide-based solution is powerful, but safe for your teeth, and your dentist will take care to minimize any sensitivity that the treatment may cause. Depending on your specific preferences, teeth whitening can be accomplished in just a single visit to your dentist, or you can perform the treatment at your leisure with a custom-made take-home whitening kit.
