The number of teeth whitening products, from toothpaste to whitening kits that use LED lights, indicates the strong desire to have white teeth. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a smile psychologist, and professor at the University of California at Berkely, notes how important a whiter smile is to most people. He described a white smile as “Visible from 200 feet, it is the intense focus of what other people look at, and a sign of our warmth, confidence, and health.” But the problem you might face is teeth that will not whiten no matter what products you use.
Schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive examination and teeth whitening consultation to learn more about how you can have a white smile.
You may be frustrated that your teeth are not getting whiter with over-the-counter products. There are several reasons your teeth won’t whiten. Here are four reasons your teeth won’t whiten.
1. Genetics
Two genetic conditions, Dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta, can cause graying or yellowing of your teeth. These conditions can require treatments such as veneers or crowns to correct. However, you may have been born with slightly discolored teeth without a genetic condition. Some people are born with thick white enamel, while others inherit more yellow teeth with possibly thinner enamel. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve the whiteness of these teeth.
2. Diet
All foods and drinks can stain teeth without regular teeth brushing. But even if you brush twice daily for two minutes and floss, some dietary choices can discolor your teeth. The foods and beverages most likely to thwart your home whitening attempts include:
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Coffee. The number one culprit could be many people’s favorite morning beverage. It combines a dark color and tannins, which makes stains stick to teeth.
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Tea. Like coffee, tea contains tannins, and adding sugar can compound dental problems.
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Soft drinks. Their high acid content damages enamel so much that even those containing no sugar can discolor teeth.
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Curry. This popular spice found in many Indian foods has such deep pigmentation that it can lead to more yellow teeth if used excessively without taking precautions.
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Berries. The antioxidants found in blueberries and cherries also contain pigments that can stain your teeth. Instead of eliminating such healthy foods, you can rinse with water after eating to minimize discoloration.
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Tomato sauces. The rich red pigment found in tomatoes combined with a high acid content can damage and discolor enamel when consumed excessively.
3. Tobacco products.
One of the most stubborn discolorations to remove from teeth is tobacco staining. The combination of nicotine and tar is the reason for this. Besides creating severe health problems, these chemicals penetrate the enamel, leaving a brown stain on teeth.
4. Age
This final reason your teeth won’t whiten is practically unavoidable. As we age, tooth enamel gets thinner, and the underlying yellow dentin gets thicker. This makes your teeth look darker.
Although you may have given up on getting white teeth at home, several cosmetic dental procedures can give you a smile you want.
Schedule Appointment if Your Teeth Won’t Whiten
Contact Trident Dental to learn more about our Cosmetic Dentistry Services, including professional teeth whitening.