Many people become concerned when their teeth start to look darker than they remember them being when they were younger. It usually happens quite gradually, so slowly in fact that the change is easy to ignore for quite a long time. Then one day a photograph is taken, or a mirror in bright light reveals the discolouration quite clearly. Teeth that once appeared quite bright have begun to look dull, yellowed, or uneven in colour.
One of the questions that our dentists hear most frequently is whether anything can be done about badly stained teeth. The reassuring answer is that in most situations there are effective ways of improving their appearance. The first step is understanding why staining occurs in the first place.
The colour of teeth is influenced by several different factors. Diet is one of the most obvious. Drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine contain strong pigments that can attach themselves to the outer surface of enamel. When this happens repeatedly over many years, the surface of the teeth slowly becomes darker. Many people in the UK drink tea or coffee several times a day, so it is hardly surprising that staining develops.
Certain foods can contribute as well. Berries, tomato sauces, and some spices used in curries etc contain natural colouring agents that may gradually affect the shade of teeth. None of these foods need to be avoided completely, but regular exposure can slowly leave its mark.
Smoking is another well known cause of discolouration. Tobacco smoke leaves tar deposits on the enamel that can range from yellow to dark brown. These stains often become more stubborn the longer smoking continues. Dentists and hygienists regularly see examples where tobacco staining has built up over many years.
There is also the simple effect of ageing. Tooth enamel is slightly translucent, and beneath it lies a layer called dentine which has a naturally deeper colour and which darkens more as the years roll by, making your teeth look stained. Even people with excellent oral hygiene may notice that their teeth gradually appear darker than they did in their youth.
When patients mention staining, the first thing that we do at the Smile Dental Practice is to examine the teeth carefully. In some cases, the discolouration comes from tartar that has collected on the tooth surface which then traps pigments from food which leaves them a dull brown colour.
The encouraging news is that a professional cleaning appointment can make a surprising difference. Dental hygienists have instruments that remove hardened deposits from the teeth and polish the enamel afterwards. Although this isn’t the prime purpose of seeing the hygienist, who is more focussed on the prevention of gum disease, it is a very nice bonus!
For people who would like a more dramatic change, whitening treatments are often discussed. Modern teeth whitening involves the use of carefully controlled bleaching gels that lighten stains within the enamel. When this process is carried out under the supervision of a dentist it is both safe and effective.
The whitening gel is normally used together with custom fitted trays that hold it against the teeth for a period of time each day. Over the course of several applications the colour gradually becomes lighter. Friends and family may notice that the smile looks brighter, but it doesn’t have to appear artificial thanks to the experience of cosmetic dentists such as our own Dr Melissa Patel (GDC 229037).
Teeth whitening is different for every individual patient. The starting shade of the teeth, the type of staining present, and the thickness of enamel can all influence the final result. A dental examination beforehand helps determine if a teeth whitening procedure is the best approach for that individual patient.
Occasionally, staining is more stubborn, particularly if it comes from within the tooth rather than on the surface. In these situations other cosmetic options may be considered. Porcelain veneers attached to the front of the teeth are a very effective method where staining is more significant. These thin porcelain shells are carefully bonded in place and can transform the appearance of a smile.
Once teeth have been whitened, many patients naturally want to keep them that way. A few simple habits can help maintain the result. Improving the quality of your brushing and flossing will help to reduce the amount of staining and our dental hygienist is a good place to ask how to do this.
Badly stained teeth can sometimes affect confidence, particularly when people feel self conscious about smiling. The positive aspect is that modern dentistry provides several straightforward solutions. In many cases the improvement can be achieved with relatively simple treatment and with fast acting results. If you would like to discover how we can help you have a whiter and brighter smile, why not start by booking your initial consultation with us. You can do this by calling the Smile Dental Practice in Croydon on 020 8649 7911.
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