Yellow Teeth: Causes and How to Whiten Yellow Teeth

 What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Do you have yellow teeth? Are you looking for a smile makeover? It’s best to start by
evaluating your whitening needs and goals by looking at the color of your teeth and
your habits or other factors that may have caused discoloration:

• Diet: Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, soda, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the top causes of yellow teeth, and stains from smoking can be stubborn. But smokers can improve their yellow teeth by quitting smoking, following a complete oral care routine of twice-daily toothbrushing and daily flossing, and using the right teeth-whitening products.
• Illness: Certain medical conditions or medications are also causes of yellow teeth. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy for head or neck cancers may develop yellow or stained teeth. Also, certain types of prescription medications including medications for asthma and high blood pressure are causes of yellow teeth.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age.
• Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of yellow teeth, especially in children.

If any of the causes of yellow teeth have left you unsatisfied with your smile,
you have many choices of whitening products.
Consider the causes of yellow teeth in your
expectations for teeth whitening, but be sure to check with your dentist first
and follow instructions carefully.

How to Whiten Yellow Teeth

Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a whiter, brighter smile,
there are a number of treatment options to consider. From in-office treatments
to at-home whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and rinses, there are a variety of ways to say
goodbye to yellow teeth and achieve the perfect white smile. Here are some
general details about both options to help you make an educated decision
on how to whiten your yellow teeth.

• Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is done at your dentist’s office and includes the application of a bleaching agent directly to your teeth. Special lights or lasers may also be used to enhance the performance of the bleach. Depending on the condition of your yellow teeth, you may have one or several treatments that range from approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
• At-home Whitening: At-home teeth-whitening options include over the-counter whitening strips and gels, both of which use peroxide-based whitening gel. Initial results are typically seen in just a few days and last for up to twelve months for products. These options are more economical.

If you want to whiten yellow teeth, it’s hard to know where to start. There are so many
options available to whiten yellow teeth that it can get overwhelming.
No matter what you decide, it's always a good idea to consult
with your dentist about your yellow teeth before starting a whitening program.

To read the entire article visit crest.com.

Lakeland Family Dentistry

2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G

Flowood, MS 39232

(601) 981-4746

Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

• If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
• If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Tooth Whitening Is Not Equal to Tooth Brushing

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth whitening not being equal to tooth brushing.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

How Tooth Whitening Works

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth whitening in their video on 'How Tooth Whitening Works.'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Discolored Teeth: Five Foods that Cause Stains

Proper oral hygiene is of course indispensable for maintaining a bright smile, but there is one other important bit of advice: Watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages can discolor teeth. If you want to protect your pearly whites, read on for some common culprits that stain your teeth.

Pasta Sauce
Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. Dine on some dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over the teeth. The film will ward off tomatoes' staining effect, so spring for a green salad as an appetizer.

Curry
Curry, a spice that works well in Indian food and exotic dishes, is also a cause of discolored teeth. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. Due to its high staining factor, curry is something you may want to limit in your diet. Whenever you dine on curry-spiced food, mix in fresh fruits and vegetables that prevent stains, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski , please visit Colgate.com

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

7 Easy Tips for White and Healthy Teeth

Who isn't on the quest to acquire the perfect set of teeth?

It was Hippocrates and Aristotle who wrote about repairing decaying teeth and fractured jaws centuries ago, and today, cosmetic bonding and cosmetic dentistry are all the rage. Many of us looking for the perfect smile will waste no time in thronging their dentist's office with such requests.

Having a great set of pearly whites can boost your self-confidence like few other things can. However, keeping your teeth in great shape will require you to put in a little time and effort on an everyday basis.

The daily brushing-and-flossing routine is a must for maintaining dental hygiene. Additionally, making sure that you stick to the following oral-hygiene tips and tricks will help you protect and care for your teeth better.

1. Keep Stains Away

Can't keep away from your cup of black coffee, but want to avoid those ghastly stains on your teeth? The good news is that you can lighten and remove most teeth stains.

With technological advancements, several teeth-whitening procedures have been developed that can treat tooth discoloration effectively. While most are performed at the dentist's, taking a few precautionary measures yourself can help you avoid these stains all together.

Sip your dark-colored soda, red wine, and coffee with a straw in small quantities, instead of drinking them from a glass/mug as doing so can ensure that your teeth never stain.

2. Keep Your Teeth Naturally Clean and Strong

Woke up late and rushing to work? Seems like flossing isn't going to be possible today? No worries! Munch on fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and lettuce for breakfast. Fiber prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth, thus making them appear cleaner.

Fibrous foods also serve as exfoliating agents and prevent stain molecules from attaching themselves to teeth. Also, because these crunchy foods require a lot of chewing, they keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

To read the entire article written by Lawrence Calagna, please visit WebDental.com

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Tooth Whitening Is Not Equal to Tooth Brushing

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth whitening not being equal to tooth brushing.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 1

Whitening
When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office and at-home bleaching. Before starting any whitening treatment, you should speak with your dentist. Your dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com