Teeth Whitening

NYC Cosmetic Dentists Serving Manhattan and New York, NY

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Simple Smile Rejuvenation With Teeth Whitening

Dingy, stained, and discolored teeth are a distraction. They are also one of the easiest things to correct, often responding well to topical treatments such as teeth whitening.

How to Whiten Teeth

Topical stains are the most common reason for tooth discoloration. You can help prevent the issue by reducing your intake of dark foods and beverages or using a straw to consume things like coffee, tea, and wine. You can help remove surface stains by brushing after every meal and snack.

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

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.

How do Dentists Whiten Teeth?

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.

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

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:

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