Teeth whitening treatments are an extremely popular way to improve your smile. Through whitening treatments, you can brighten your smile by several shades. This means that your teeth will be whiter and your smile more appealing. With the advanced teeth whitening treatments we provide at Freeman Dental, you will be able to achieve the white smile you have always wanted.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of teeth staining. Tobacco can make teeth yellow and brown. 

Heavy smokers are also six times more likely to have tooth erosion than non-smokers.

Tobacco use can also lead to gum disease and oral cancer.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are the best ways to prevent staining. Food and bacteria can build up on the surface of your teeth and leave behind a dingy, yellow tint. 

Certain Foods

Many of the foods and drinks we consume daily can lead to teeth staining. Coffee in particular can stain teeth, especially for those who drink a lot of it. Other foods and drinks that can contribute to teeth staining include dark berries, soy sauce, curry, and tomato sauce.

In addition to foods, some types of medications can also cause tooth discoloration. This includes some antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications. If someone is taking these types of medications and notices their teeth turning yellow, they should consult their dentist, who may recommend a whitening treatment.

Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening can take less than an hour to whiten your teeth by up to eight shades. Our dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and then activate it using ultraviolet light. The gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to reduce sensitivity, and vitamin E to protect your gums.

Take-Home Whitening

Professional at-home bleaching kits contain a bleaching gel with a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide than over-the-counter versions. They usually contain “trays” that fit over your teeth or strips that hold the gel on your teeth. You wear the trays or strips for a specific amount of time each day, as directed by the kit’s instructions.

What Is the Best Teeth Whitening Procedure?

When determining the best teeth whitening procedure, it’s important to consider several factors, including your lifestyle, budget, and time. Although more expensive, in-office bleaching provides the fastest and most dramatic results.

In-office procedures usually take about an hour to complete and involve the application of a whitening gel directly to the teeth. After allowing this gel to remain on the teeth for 20 minutes, a special light is used to activate the gel, and then the teeth are carefully washed.

These whitening treatments with higher concentrations of peroxide are most effective for teeth that have stained or are yellow due to enamel loss or staining from drinking, smoking, or eating certain foods.

To learn more about the perks of teeth whitening, call Freeman Dental at (270) 444-6080 for our Paducah location.