How can you target tooth discolouration?

How to fix discoloured teeth

When we think about what makes a ‘perfect smile,’ most of us think of straight, white and sparkling teeth.

However, general wear and a weakness for vices (including coffee and red wine) make it can be hard to maintain that glowing, white Hollywood smile.

What causes tooth discolouration?

There are many factors which contribute to tooth discolouration and we are all effected by at least one:

Food and drinks:

Food staining is the most common cause, from coffee, tea, soft drinks, wines, and even certain fruits and vegetables – it is hard to enforce a diet that doesn’t end up staining your teeth.

Poor dental hygiene:

By the time we reach adulthood, most of us are sick of hearing dentists ranting about the importance of a strong dental hygiene practice.

However, it is true, if you are not brushing and flossing twice daily then staining and natural discolouration will be more prominent.

Find out about in-practice hygiene consultations here.

Tobacco:

Along with other oral health impacts, one of the negative effects of smoking is staining your teeth.

The staining is caused by tar and nicotine in the cigarettes, and smokers often complain about yellowing or brown teeth after a couple of years of smoking.

Click here to find out how to reduce or quit your smoking habits.

Age:

Tooth discolouration over time is natural and unavoidable.

However, if your teeth are discolouring quicker or more intensely than you are comfortable with, we have multiple teeth-whitening solutions to restore your smile back to its original glow.

Environment:

One way the environment you are in can implicate the colour of your teeth is through the water you have access to.

If the water has excessive fluoride in it then this can impact your teeth.

Also, the toothpaste you buy (or mouthwashes, and supplements) can have a similar impact and cause teeth discolouration.

Preventing tooth discolouration

It is impossible to completely prevent natural discolouration and we should try to become comfortable with the process to some extent.

However, there are some steps you can take in order to reduce or at least slow down the effects of discolouration.

If you are a coffee drinker, you may consider cutting back on the number of cups you enjoy per day, or perhaps drink through a straw if this works for you.

Another useful tip is to perfect your dental hygiene routine…

By brushing, flossing and using mouthwash daily you can ensure your teeth are being properly cleaned and any staining from food can be reduced.

It is also helpful to organise a regular check up and thorough teeth cleaning treatment with your dentist.

Treatment for tooth discolouration

If you apply all of these tips and you are still not happy – there are a few treatment methods available for discoloured teeth.

If you feel self-conscious and are unhappy with your smile, teeth whitening options may be something that could help you feel better.

The appropriate method for you will be dependent on the severity of your case, but here are some options:

Deep cleaning: Most dentists offer a thorough cleaning service, the main goal is to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, rather than to white your teeth. However, if you are just looking to brighten your smile, this option may be all you need.
Teeth whitening at the dentist: At The Perfect Smile we offer in house treatment methods to help restore your smile back to its brightest and whitest state.
Zoom teeth whitening: Guaranteed to whiten teeth by up to eight shades. Zoom teeth whitening is available at the Clinic or as a home whitening kit. We can perform this procedure in-practice or at home, but we find in-practice is the safest and most effective option. We use a whitening gel and an LED lamp to increase the effects.
Enlighten evolution complete treatment system: This is an effective option but is most suitable for those who suffer from teeth sensitivity since it is less invasive. Enlighten manufactures the only whitening system in the world which guarantees the lightest possible results for every patient.
Laser teeth whitening: We use the Elexxion high-performance dental laser for laser bleaching. The laser accelerates the bleaching gel for maximum results in just one appointment.
Teeth whitening veneers: Veneers are a popular option to overhaul your smile and leave you with a set of pearly white teeth. We use Lumineers at The Perfect Smile.