A popular procedure our patients ask us about is teeth whitening.

Many people wish to enhance their smile and brighten their teeth. Before we discuss the teeth whitening procedure, we want to first address what can cause your teeth to become discolored in the first place.

Injury: When one or more of your teeth are injured, such as a cracked or bruised tooth, it may become discolored.

Diet: What you eat and drink can have an impact on the brightness of your teeth. Coffee, tea, and foods containing food coloring can all stain your tooth enamel.

Tobacco: Any form of tobacco use can stain your teeth. Not only does tobacco stain teeth, it also increases the amount of plaque in your mouth.

Age: Tooth discoloration can occur naturally as well. As we age, your tooth enamel can wear down, exposing the inner part of your tooth. This will cause your teeth to have a yellow tint.

Medications: A common side effect of certain medications is tooth discoloration.

In our next post, Dr. Aerni will discuss the teeth whitening procedure that he uses at his office. If you are interested in teeth whitening and would like to learn more, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today.