Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

Just like we all have different hair and skin colour, people also have different tooth colour. Some teeth are more yellow than others, while others yellow with aging. Your natural tooth colour can also be affected by many factors.

Surface stains and internal discolouration can be caused by:

• The natural aging process
• Using tobacco (smoked or chewed), drinking coffee, tea,
  colas or red wine, and eating pigmented foods such as
  cherries and blueberries
• Accumulation of plaque and tartar deposits
• Ingesting too much fluoride (more than 2 parts fluoride per million
  parts water) when teeth are forming, which gives teeth a "mottled" look
• Treatment with the antibiotic tetracycline during childhood
• Trauma to the teeth that may cause a brown, gray or black colour

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.

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11/15/2010