5 Things to Know About Teeth Whitening
In the world of dentistry, there is a thin line between cosmetic issues and clinical dentistry and at times, the two can become quite blurred. When it comes to our oral health, often time’s cosmetic issues can actually be a sign of poor dental health and even your overall health. For instance, individuals with dark, damaged gums and yellowing teeth may be suffering from some type of oral bacteria issue, and might be in need of a root canal, or some type of a dental implant. At Soft Touch Dental, Dr. Bella Normatov, considered to be the best dentist Queens has to offer, treats a wide variety of dental care issues, from gum disease and gingivitis, to fallen or chipped teeth, however one of the most common oral health issues she deals with is the yellowing and discoloration of teeth. While this might obviously seem to be a cosmetic issue, in reality this is one of those oral health issues that falls into both categories – both cosmetic and clinical. As the best dentist Queens has in practice, Dr. Normatov specializing in teeth whitening and helping to clear stains that may develop for a variety of reasons. To better educate you on all there is to know about dental stains and teeth whitening, here are some important facts.
The Teeth Have Pores
Most of us have no idea, but our teeth, just like our skin, actually contain pores! The pores in our teeth work similarly to the ones on our skin, they are tiny, almost microscopic openings that will absorb anything and everything we put into our mouths – food, wine, cigarette smoke, and more. Over time, these pores will suck up these objects and cause stains to develop.
Extrinsic Stains
When it comes to yellowing teeth, and the process of teeth whitening, it is important to understand there are 2 distinct categories of stains. The first being extrinsic stains, affecting the surface enamel of the teeth. The enamel is the hard, outer layer of the teeth that can easily be stained. This type of yellowing can occur as a result of the tar and nicotine from smoking, drinking coffee, and dark-colored foods and drinks, such as balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, curry, grapes, berries, beets, red wine and more. Foods with high acidity are a major culprit as the acidity can erode the outermost layer of enamel, making it easier for the teeth to become stained. The teeth are like sponges and essentially pull anything they come into contact with.
Intrinsic Stains
These types of stains occur from the inner structure of the tooth known as the dentin, these stains are very difficult to remove. Often times, certain prescription meds can cause changes within the body, causing your teeth to start yellowing – these include, women taking hormone regulators like tetracycline, antibiotics, acne medications like minocycline, chlorhexidine – a prescription mouthwash, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and more. Generally, the right amount of fluoride can help treat these stains.
Teeth Whitening Won’t Cause Further Damage
One of the biggest teeth whitening myths is that it can cause excess damage to your teeth, however this is false, when done properly, by a reputable dental professional like Dr. Normatov, considered the best dentist Queens has to offer, it is extremely safe.
Genetics Play a Key Role
There are many patients that are obsessed with obtaining pearly, white, perfect teeth, and will do anything to achieve them – but no matter what they try, they just can’t seem to reach past a certain plateau. For some patients, not even the best dentist Queens has practice, Dr. Normatov can help you, and this isn’t for lack of trying or even a lack of success. At birth, we are all born with a certain shade of “white” or “off-white” color to our teeth. And for some, due to their genetic makeup, this shade might be darker than that of others. The process of teeth whitening can only remove the stains that have altered the shade of your teeth, not lighten your teeth past their natural shade of white. Regardless, patients must realize that the difference between perfectly, pearly white, and their natural shade, is unlikely to be too far off.
For more information on teeth whitening and other oral health services, contact Dr. Bella Normatov and the team at Soft Touch Dental today.
