What Causes Tooth Staining?

Age: There is a direct correlation between tooth color and age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. Teenagers will likely experience immediate, dramatic results from whitening. In the twenties, as the teeth begin to show a yellow cast, teeth-whitening may require a little more effort. By the forties, the yellow gives way to brown and more maintenance may be called for. By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed a host of stubborn stains which can prove difficult (but not impossible) to remove.

Starting color: We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time. Yellow-brown is generally more responsive to bleaching than green-grey.

Translucency and thinness: These are also genetic traits that become more pronounced with age. While all teeth show some translucency, those that are opaque and thick have an advantage: they appear lighter in color, show more sparkle and are responsive to bleaching. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent – most notably the front teeth – have less of the pigment that is necessary for bleaching. According to studies, transparency is the only condition that cannot be corrected by any form of teeth whitening.

Eating habits: The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges and other deeply-colored beverages and foods causes considerable staining over the years. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface becomes more transparent and more of the yellow-colored dentin shows through.

Smoking habits: Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.

Drugs / chemicals: Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove. Excessive consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis and associated areas of white mottling.

Grinding: Most frequently caused by stress,bruxism can add to micro-cracking in the teeth and can cause the biting edges to darken.

Trauma: Falls and other injuries can produce sizable cracks in the teeth, which collect large amounts of stains and debris.

If you you would like to reduce stains and have a brighter smile by the weekend, contact AccuWhite, www.accu-white.com or call them at 561-846-1308 today.

Why to not use "the strips"

Whitening your teeth with a "tapelike" tool is ineffective.

The correct way is to use a tray that forms to your teeth, letting the bleaching gel do all the work.

Plus, they slip, slide and don't get in between the interproximal of the tooth.

For a better whitening product that won't break the bank, go to www.accu-white.com

How To Get A Whiter Smile

Getting a whiter smile isn't easy.

It takes hard work and the right components.

Would you ever put tape on your teeth? That's what you are doing when you put Crest Whitestrips and the other "wannabe" whiteners on the market.

To truly get a white smile you need a tray that will form to your teeth and the right whitening gel to put in it.

That's why Accu-White has devised it's at home kit to help you with the process. But don't take our word for it. Check them out at www.accu-white.com.

Why are my teeth so yellow?

When your teeth begin to change color, there may be a variety of reasons. If your parents have yellowish teeth, you may be headed toward that same hue. Thus, heredity may be the culprit. In addition, lifestyle issues like consumption of enamel-tinting liquids such as coffee or tea, poor dental hygiene, and older age can contribute. A visit with your family dentist will go a long way toward creating an enamel friendly treatment plan that gets your teeth back to their more "natural" color.

The anatomy of the tooth

The most visible part of our teeth is called enamel. This is an extremely hard substance, designed to withstand biting and chewing. While very durable, the enamel is also prone to chipping, cracking and thinning as one gets older. If the enamel is extremely well mineralized it will appear lighter or white in color. However, the enamel is often translucent, taking most of its light-gray/white or light yellow color from the bone-like substance underneath, known as dentin. This tissue is strong, makes up the majority of the structure of the tooth, and serves as a support for the enamel.

For a natural shade whitener, try accu-white, www.accu-white.com. They have a neutral ph system that is sensitive on the gumline, while leaving your mouth fresh and rejuvinated and with a whiter smile.