Teeth Whitening

There are two types of tooth staining: intrinsic, which occurs below the enamel, and extrinsic, which occur on top.

Food, beverage, and lifestyle choices are often the primary causes of extrinsic stains with some of the biggest culprits being:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Soda and sports drinks
• Dark foods and sauces

Inadequate oral hygiene can also cause extrinsic stains.

There are two types of tooth stains:

• Extrinsic. External stains can be caused by darker foods and beverages, tobacco use, and inadequate brushing
• Intrinsic. Internal stains may result from trauma, tooth infection and gum disease, excess fluoride, certain medications, and the process of aging

To whiten teeth, stains must either be removed or covered. Which option will be the most useful for your smile is dependent on the cause, location, and extent of your tooth discoloration.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, an effort by Prevent Blindness America (PBA) that asks us to consider the age-appropriateness of a gift before giving it to a child. Primarily focused on preventing injury, recommendations from PBA include:

A recent study from the ADA found that 28% of young adult respondents and 29% of lower-income adult respondents believe that the appearance of their smiles has negatively impacted their ability to get a job.

One of your most prominent facial features, your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A smile that is yellowed, dingy, or otherwise unattractive can, in some circumstances, make you look more aged and unhealthy.

Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. This remains the most effective way to prevent tooth staining. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and quality toothpaste, brush your teeth in all directions for at least two minutes if you are using a manual toothbrush, one for electric, to remove surface stains before they have time to set.

Are you dissatisfied with the quality of your smile? Our NYC cosmetic dentists can help. Bringing over 20 years of experience in producing remarkable smiles in Manhattan, Dr. Mello and Dr.

Can the appearance of your smile impact your ability to land an acting gig in NYC? Absolutely yes. Can anything be done to perfect smiles that may not meet the aesthetic standards of New York’s theater goers? Of course, several things can be done.

You may have recently seen popular YouTubers and DIY “health experts” demonstrating the amazing tooth whitening power of activated charcoal. The instructions are simple: place activated charcoal on a toothbrush and brush in small circles before rinsing. It works, too. In some instances, teeth can become visibly whiter after just one treatment.

Here’s the rub: activated charcoal is not actually safe for your teeth. In fact, it’s downright unsafe.

NYC Smile Design’s blog has been selected as one of the Top 50 Cosmetic Dentistry Blogs & Websites to Follow in 2018.