What Are the Most Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration?

A bright smile is one of the first things people notice, but keeping your teeth white and bright is not always easy. From your morning coffee to natural aging, tooth discoloration can happen to the best of us. At Avalon Dental Care, we offer Opalescence in-office and at-home whitening treatments to restore your smile’s sparkle. Here are the most common reasons teeth lose their shine and how we can help.

How Do Teeth Stain and Discolor?

Tooth discoloration generally falls into two categories. Extrinsic stains develop on the outer enamel, while intrinsic discoloration occurs within the tooth itself. Many patients have a combination of both.

Some of the most common causes of teeth staining and discoloration include the following:

• Dark Foods and Drinks: Dark pigments from coffee, tea, berries, tomato sauces, and other highly pigmented foods and beverages can cling to your tooth enamel, dulling and discoloring your teeth over time.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking and other tobacco products can leave stubborn yellow or brown staining that becomes more noticeable over time.
• Natural Aging: The tooth enamel gradually thins with age, allowing more of the naturally yellow dentin beneath to show through.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup can make teeth look dull or yellow. Professional dental cleanings can remove buildup and some surface stains.
• Medications: Certain medications such as tetracycline can leave you with deep discoloration.
• Dental Trauma: An injury can damage the inner portion of a tooth, causing it to darken, sometimes long after the injury.

What Are Your Professional Teeth Whitening Options?

At Avalon Dental Care, we offer the following in-office and at-home professional whitening treatments:

Opalescence Pro Chairside Treatment: The in-office treatment offers a safe and effective teeth whitening solution for patients wanting immediate results. The powerful 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is chemically activated, allowing it to address tough stains and leave your smile glowing without the need for hot or uncomfortable lights. The unique gel formulation contains PF, a potassium nitrate and fluoride blend, which helps minimize sensitivity while strengthening your tooth enamel. Just two to three 20-minute Opalescence Pro gel applications can leave your smile several shades brighter.

Opalescence Go At-Home Whitening: Opalescence Go offers professional-grade whitening gradually from the comfort of your home. The safe and effective system features UltraFit trays that conform to your teeth, offering a convenient teeth whitening solution right out of the box. Opalescence Go offers bleaching gels in different concentrations for a personalized whitening experience. It is great for first-time whitening or to maintain the stunning results after in-office treatment, helping you enjoy a brilliantly bright smile all year long.

Do All Discolored Teeth Respond to Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Teeth whitening is ideal for most of our patients. In general, it works best on teeth with yellow discoloration caused by dark foods, drinks, or tobacco products. Gray or brown discoloration, deep intrinsic stains, medication-related changes, or a tooth that has darkened following trauma may not produce the desired results. Additionally, whitening does not change the color of dental restorations, such as dental fillings or implant restorations.

If you are not a candidate for teeth whitening, we may recommend alternative cosmetic dentistry solutions, such as cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns. Our team will recommend the most conservative solution to restore your bright smile.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional teeth whitening has a high safety record when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. Before treatment, we will check for cavities, gum inflammation, exposed roots, cracks, or restorations that could affect your whitening experience.

What about store-bought products? Many whitening products and DIY kits promise brilliant results, but may not always deliver. Whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and pens may help with mild surface stains when used as directed. However, they are not personalized to the cause of your discoloration, and overuse may also increase tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. For the safest and most effective results, it’s best to trust your smile to professional teeth whitening.

Professional Teeth Whitening Near Me in Lomita, CA

If you would like to learn more about brightening your smile with professional teeth whitening, contact Avalon Dental Care to schedule your consultation. Our experienced dentist and patient-centered team will evaluate your discoloration and recommend the most conservative cosmetic dentistry solution to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile. We invite you to call 310-530-3100 to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today!