Tips to Save a Tooth That is Knocked Out

Many people develop dental discoloration over time. As their teeth are repeatedly exposed to pigments in the drinks and foods that they consume, their teeth become progressively stained. Regular toothpaste can be used to help brush away plaque and food particles that may be stuck to the tooth enamel, but it does not tend to remove deep dental stains.

Improving the color of the teeth can occur through the use of natural teeth whiteners and over-the-counter whitening applications. However, the safest and most effective ways to whiten your teeth are still performed in a dental office by a dental professional. Here are two applications that the dentist may provide to help whiten your teeth:

In-office Bleaching

Dental discoloration can be bleached from the teeth. In-office whitening usually employs a gel or solution that is peroxide-based. The chemicals are designed to be safe for tooth enamel, while still effectively bleaching away dental stains.

Foods that are deeply pigmented, such as blackberries and cocoa, may eventually stain the teeth. The result is teeth that display a yellow tint. Tobacco, trauma to a tooth and the ingestion of certain medications can also discolor the teeth, but the result may be a brownish or grey hue.

In-office bleaching is usually effective for removing most discoloration that is associated with a food or beverage. However, it may not be as effective for medication-caused discoloration or from dental color changes that result from trauma.

In-office bleaching usually produces visible results after a single application. In addition, the results of the procedure may last for years.

Dental Veneers

Teeth that may not respond as readily to bleaching chemicals may still be whitened through the application of dental veneers. Each veneer is a thin tooth covering that is bonded to the front of a tooth. The veneers conceal or hide the dental stains present on the natural tooth.

For cases of extremely deep discoloration, such as that from years of tobacco use or from instances in which the discoloration is permanent, such as that resulting from a birth defect or dental trauma, dental veneers may be the only effective whitening option for a patient.

In addition, patients who have chronic dental sensitivity may be prohibited from using dental bleaches, so veneers may be the best whitening alternative for them as well.

To learn more ways that your dentist can help improve the color of your teeth, consult with a dentist in your area, like the ones found at http://valleyoakdentalgroup.com/.