Healthy white teeth ensure not only a beautiful smile, but also make a person’s overall appearance pleasing. Conversely, yellow teeth are a source of discomfort and embarrassment in most interpersonal relationships.
Not surprisingly, having bright, white teeth is a particularly sought-after ambition, although not always achievable.
Genetic predisposition
Tooth color is on par with skin, hair and eye color, a genetically defined individual characteristic. Therefore unique.
It is the result of a series of combinations between color, enamel thickness and the color of the underlying dentin. Having yellow teeth then, or teeth of a more charged hue than snow-white, is not synonymous with poor oral hygiene. Many people have very healthy teeth with a uniform color tending to yellow or gray.
Instead, we speak of yellowed or graying teeth when, that is, their color changes over time.
The causes
There can be several causes of yellowing of teeth:
- Smoking: the tar and nicotine in tobacco become fixed on enamel and gums, causing stubborn black spots to form;
- Colored foods and drinks: even those who regularly drink tea or coffee will, in the long run, end up with yellow and brown stained teeth. Same for those who habitually consume licorice, dark chocolate and other similar foods;
- Plaque and tartar: these are due to poor oral hygiene. Yellowing of the smile can be caused by the persistence of plaque and tartar on the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. The presence of dental plaque then, due to the formation of a rough layer on the teeth, amplifies the effects of the staining agents mentioned earlier (cigarette smoke, coffee, etc.).
Cleaning yellow teeth
In the presence of yellowed teeth, habitual home hygiene can do little. After all, it is hard to imagine that those who end up with yellowing teeth would admit that they do not perform a thorough daily teeth cleaning. Rather, it is more plausible to think that this, should it actually be practiced, is ineffective and in any case does not lead to the desired result.
- Professional detartraction: removal of the yellow cuticle produced by plaque and tartar can be removed with proper tooth cleaning performed at a dental center by a dental hygienist. This operation not only improves the appearance of the teeth, but also preserves their health by decreasing the risk of developing gingivitis and tooth decay;
- Air polishing: Scaling is followed by the removal of stains through special “sandblasting”: a specific instrument delivers a microscopic jet of compressed air, demineralized water and sodium bicarbonate capable of removing even the most resistant stains (those in interdental spaces, grooves and porosity).
Professional chemical bleaching: dental bleaching
Once the teeth have been cleaned, they can then undergo whitening treatments at a Dental Center specializing in teeth whitening. The treatment consists of an initial attachment procedure that is done directly at the chairside and a maintenance procedure at home.
- In-office bleaching: normally, a high-percentage bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) is used, which is activated by special lamps (or laser) that promote its deep action. Normally 3 applications of 15 minutes each are made. The treatment can be repeated once a year;
- Home bleaching: the center makes customized soft silicone masks containing a bleaching agent (carbamide peroxide). These are put on and left on for about 30 minutes. The treatment is repeated for 5-6 consecutive days.
Keeping teeth white
However, the candor effect exerted by professional whitening products is temporary. Generally, the duration of professional whitening does not exceed 2 years. In this regard, to prolong the whitening effect on teeth, it is essential:
- Accurate oral hygiene: implement proper home dental hygiene by equipping yourself with an electric toothbrush with a soft-bristled head and alternating between toothpastes formulated with whitening substances and those for sensitive teeth;
- Correcting poor behavioral habits: difficult to accomplish but necessary to ensure a candid smile. Good practices to follow may be limiting smoking, coffee or licorice.
- Professional detartration and polishing: It is important to have a professional dental hygiene session on a regular basis (every 6-8 months). In addition to removing plaque and tartar, the dental hygienist will subject the teeth to a polish that will make staining substances slide off more easily. At the end of the hygiene session, it is then possible to undergo a maintenance bleaching session, a 15-minute application.
Having a beautiful smile is important for everyone. Book a consultation at our Dental Center now.
