Many things in life improve with age, but unfortunately, our teeth aren’t on that list. Teeth are prone to shifting as we get older, leaving previously straight smiles looking a little more crooked than before, which can, in turn, lead to more discoloration over the years. While yellowing and staining of teeth are common side effects of aging, we don’t have to accept them as our final result! Here at Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer state-of-the-art teeth whitening Memphis services to brighten your teeth and leave your smile shining. There are even some simple habits you can implement at home to prevent staining, too! Let’s take a look at what causes discolored teeth and how you can prevent your teeth from yellowing with the help of Memphis Dental!
What causes yellowing or staining of the teeth?
As we get older, the porous outer layer of enamel on our teeth begins to thin. This allows the naturally yellow material beneath it, called dentin, to show through more prominently. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, giving your teeth a yellow tint. Since the enamel is also naturally porous, as we age, the microscopic holes within it get larger. This leaves the teeth even more susceptible to staining.
Genetics can also play a role in how white our teeth look. Some people are born with tooth enamel that is brighter or thicker than others, while some have a thinner layer of enamel or teeth that are naturally darker. Aside from age, hereditary factors, and certain kinds of medication, our lifestyle choices can play a role in yellowing and staining our teeth. For example, smoking is a primary cause of tooth staining. Drinking coffee, black tea, wine, and soda on a regular basis can also cause even healthy teeth to become discolored over time.
How to lessen the effects of yellowing and staining from home
There are some very simple things you can do to combat staining and give you a brighter smile! The most obvious of these is maintaining good dental hygiene. That includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed. This will help remove any plaque build-up around the edges of the teeth, as these can attract stains and make them more noticeable.
The way you consume foods and drinks that contribute to staining can also make a difference. Use a straw when drinking cold tea or soda, and avoid sipping on coffee and hot tea over a long period of time to minimize the contact it has with your teeth. Another easy way to prevent stains is to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming any acidic or highly-pigmented foods, like soy sauce, blueberries, and beets.
Regular dental visits are an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, clean, and looking as good as they feel! Professional cleanings with Dr. Edwards and Dr. Prince will not only get rid of staining that regular brushing and flossing can’t touch, but also give us the chance to look for any dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and more.
Zoom! whitening for a sensational smile
Our office is proud to offer Zoom! Whitening treatments to patients in East Memphis, Midtown, and the surrounding communities. This method is quick, effective, and produces beautiful results that last! This in-office, chair-side whitening system can brighten your smile in as little as two hours. With more than 10 million users, Zoom! Whitening provides a reliable, pain-free alternative to store-bought whitening kits.
This method of teeth whitening uses a gel that is activated by a special light. As one of the safest methods of whitening teeth, you can feel confident in Zoom! Here’s how it works:
Step 1—After cleaning your teeth, we’ll use an instrument to hold your mouth open. Then your gums and lips will be covered so that only your teeth are showing.
Step 2—Next, we’ll apply the whitening gel and expose your teeth to a special light. This light activates the gel, helping it to lighten deep stains.
Step 3—Finally, we’ll remove the gel and you can enjoy your beautifully whitened smile!
With stunning results in as little as one office visit, this teeth whitening method is a great choice for a brighter smile. After your in-office whitening procedure is complete, we’ll provide you with at-home whitening trays at no additional cost, so that you can maintain your smile for life!
It’s important to remember that the success of any teeth whitening procedure will depend on the genetic makeup of your teeth. For the best results, you only want to whiten teeth back to their natural shade. That shade won’t always be bright white! In fact, most people will find their natural teeth are an off-white color, and that’s entirely normal. Be realistic about your expectations, and be sure to let your doctor know if you have any questions or concerns.
Stop staining in its tracks with Zoom! Whitening from Scott Edwards, DDS
Many people worry that teeth whitening will cause sensitivity, but thanks to advances in modern technology, 99% of Zoom! Whitening patients report feeling no sensitivity at all! This is great news for patients who are feeling insecure about their smiles but worry about dental pain.
If yellow or stained teeth are holding you back from your happiest smile, we invite you to explore all the benefits professional tooth whitening has to offer! Zoom! Whitening will give you safer, better, and longer-lasting results than at-home treatments. Whether your smile is discolored from genetics, aging, or any number of lifestyle choices, we’re here to help restore your teeth to their natural brilliance! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edwards or Dr. Prince.