Another common problem that drives people to a mouth specialist is teeth that are yellowed and stained. This is an unsightly dilemma for many of us and there is now several acceptable ways of eliminating stains and whitening teeth that is being commonly offered through your provider. It is always a good idea to prevent these stains whenever possible however and the most frequently found habits that are blamed for staining teeth are:

• Smoking: Cigarettes are blamed for yellowing teeth by the nicotine they contain. Everyone has seen this staining on the fingers of people who continue to smoke and have been aware of yellowing of the teeth as well. Even routine cleanings by your doctor will not be able to eliminate all of this yellowing and a professional treatment is always recommended. Because smoking cigarettes are a health risk as well, it is advisable to stay away from smoking totally.

• Coffee, tea, soda and red wine: Drinking any of these dark beverages can stain teeth over time. A good preventative technique is to brush your teeth very well after consuming any of these beverages but you cannot always accomplish this task. Chewing gum that contains no sugar may help in cleaning teeth at least to a small degree until a more thorough brushing can be applied in a minimal way until a better job can be done at home.

• Medications: Some medications are notorious for staining teeth especially in small children. Antibiotics are a recognized problem and together with a high fever in children makes them particularly susceptible to stained teeth. There is no means of preventing this sort of damaged teeth.

• Aging: Another hard to prevent cause of stained or yellowed teeth is the effects of aging on the teeth themselves. As we age, our teeth tend to be more permeable and the enamel becomes worn causing our teeth to absorb dark colors from beverages and food we consume. Good mouth hygiene can be an assist but it will not prevent the destruction caused by the aging process so it is advisable to regularly have your teeth checked and cleaned by a professional.

Sometimes, no matter what we try, we can’t keep our teeth completely white and stain-free. This is partially due to genetics, some lack of dental hygiene (ie brushing, flossing, etc) and what we eat and drink. We all eat lots of processed foods containing starches and sugars, and drink coffee, teas, and sodas that leave behind stains on our teeth. Over time, these stains become worked into the enamel, so even consistent brushing won’t do the trick. This is where teeth whitening products come in. Teeth whitening is a process that removes stains and restores you smile.

Teeth whitening can be done in several ways. Many of my patients have seen results from consistent use of whitening strips that assist in removing stains caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque will build up over time on your teeth, making them harder and harder to clean. The whitening process can assist in dissolving accumulations on the surface of your teeth. Strips are only one way of doing it.

Sometimes it takes more than an ordinary teeth whitening process to cleanse your teeth – sometimes it take rather strong chemicals, in this case a form of bleach. The bleaching process creates a chemical reaction with the plaque and tartar, thus loosening the bond between the buildup and your teeth. If used too much, bleach will begin to eat away and destroy your tooth enamel. The substance that coats your teeth and attempts to keep plaque and bacteria from getting inside the tooth is called your tooth enamel. Always use any bleaching product according to the directions the manufacturer has supplied, and let your local dental know what products you are using.

The best method of teeth whitening is prevention. Make sure not to drink to much coffee, tea, or sweet drink. It’s all right to have these on occasion, but many people overdo consumption of these items. This causes harmful plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. Excess plaque and tartar will result in tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. Use a straw whenever you can. Using a straw will help the liquid move past your teeth without coating them.

Not only are white teeth a sign of good looks, they’re much healthier than stained or yellowed teeth. Removing tartar, plaque and the associated stains will give you a healthier mouth. Tooth whitening is a good alternative when stains crop up despite consistent oral hygiene. Caring for you teeth is always cheaper than repairing your teeth. There are many teeth whitening services and systems available, but all require consistent, regular use. You can check out my site AskTheDentalHygienist for more information.

Melissa is a Registered Dental Hygienist that has been practicing for more than 12 years in the same dental office. You can find more information about your dental health by visiting her site www.AskTheDentalHygienist.com.