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Teeth WhiteningCauses of Tooth DiscolorationThere are quite a few things that can discolor your teeth. This can range from simple things you cannot avoid to things that you do habitually that could be avoided. Things like the foods we eat and drinks we consume can make a big difference on how white our teeth appear. However, it isn’t like you can avoid eating or drinking everything that could discolor your teeth; the list is too vast. Aging is another common cause of discoloration. This is because as we get older, the thickness of the enamel of our teeth declines, making more of the yellow dentin that sits below the enamel show through. There is not much we can do about this other than making sure to not wear down our enamel through rough brushing or tooth decay. Using tobacco can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Both the nicotine and the tar can discolor your teeth due to their color, and since tobacco or its smoke comes in direct contact with your teeth, it can quickly cause your teeth to become a yellow or tan color. Some medications can darken your teeth, including medications to counter high blood pressure and some antihistamines. Trauma can also cause a change in the color of a damaged tooth. This happens as your body tries to fix the trauma by adding more dentin, which makes the tooth look darker beneath the enamel. ![]() Options for Whitening My TeethMany people ask why they should come in and see us instead of whitening at home. The answer is because our options are more effective and less damaging to your teeth. You can go to a local drug store and buy toothpaste, gel, or strips, but those are only going to give you one, maybe two levels of whitening. If you come in and let us help, we can give you much brighter results. You may notice that your teeth are sensitive for a little while after whitening, but this is normal and often corrects itself in just a few days. To find out what options we can offer regarding whitening your teeth, come in and talk with us. We can go through what could be causing your teeth to become discolored, and help you come up with a long-term solution to give you that bright, white smile you were hoping for. Call us today at (669) 306-7669! |
Our Convenient LocationNancy Shiba, DDS125 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116-1903 |
![]() Phone(669) 306-7669 HoursMon: 9AM–6PM Tue: by appointment Wed: 10AM–7PM Thur: 10:30AM–2:30PM Friday: 8AM–5PM Sat & Sun: Closed |