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Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

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Maybe you've always wanted a beautiful white smile. Or your teeth have yellowed over time. Or you're not happy with the staining that may result from drinking coffee, tea, or cola. Whatever your reason for wanting whiter teeth, you're not alone.

Just as we all have different hair and skin colour, people also have different tooth colour. Some teeth are more yellow than others, while others may yellow with aging.


Surface stains and internal discoloration can be caused by:

  • The natural aging process
  • Using tobacco (smoked or chewed), drinking coffee, tea or red wine.
  • Accumulation of plaque and tartar deposits
  • Treatment with the antibiotic tetracycline during childhood
  • Trauma to the teeth that may cause a brown, gray or black color


There are many reasons for whitening your teeth, including:

  • The boost to your confidence and self-esteem that comes from a great smile
  • A younger appearance
  • A special event such as a wedding, job interview or class reunion
  • To make a positive first impression on others
  • To simply reverse years of everyday staining and yellowing


Before beginning any whitening procedure, be sure to consult with your dentist. Only he or she can evaluate whether you're a suitable candidate for a particular treatment. 

Copyright © 2002, 2003 Colgate-Palmolive Company. All rights reserved.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.