This Is Why Your Bright Smile Has Faded

Dull, discolored, stained, and yellowing teeth are a common problem for all people. They can cause embarrassment and even lower self-esteem. Sometimes the reason for discolored teeth is simply genetics. Other times your teeth reflect your lifestyle, diet, or poor dental hygiene.

At Bucktown Dental in Wicker Park, Chicago, our team of teeth-whitening experts can fix a number of smile concerns in just one visit. The skilled specialists offer comprehensive checkups and teeth whitening treatments to keep smiles bright and healthy.

There are many reasons your bright smile has faded over time. Do any of these sound familiar?

Your genes

The fact is that you inherit genes from your parents that determine your tooth color. You may have excellent oral hygiene habits and still suffer from embarrassing stains or discolorations. Your natural tooth color is no fault of your own, and nothing you can’t change without professional teeth whitening care.

Smokers beware

Tobacco use is a leading cause of yellowing and stained teeth. The nicotine in tobacco products contains sticky particles that find a home on the surface of your teeth, staining the enamel permanently. The longer you smoke, dip, or chew, the more prominent the stains become. Unfortunately, the darker the stains, the harder it is to remove them. Sometimes teeth whitening is the only solution to turn back the clock on your smile.

Your diet

Another major cause of tooth stains and a fading smile is your diet. Foods and drinks that are dark in color have chromogens. Chromogens are a substance that turns into a pigment that stains your teeth. If you drink a lot of dark soda for an extended period of time, you might have already seen some of the chromogens’ effects. There are chromogens in many foods and drinks you may even be including in your diet already, like these:

• Red wine
• Soda
• Tea
• Coffee
• Dyes (saffron, paprika)
• Sauces (soy, tomato, curry)
• Sports drinks
• Dark berries

One way to avoid some staining is by drinking dark beverages with a straw, or by brushing your teeth after each meal.

How to brighten your faded smile

Luckily, there are many ways to preserve your dazzling smile, or return it to its former bright white. Good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid a faded smile. By brushing and flossing at least twice a day, you’re far less likely to see dull or yellowed teeth.

The best way to crank your smile back up to 1000 watts is with our talented team at Bucktown Dental. Using the Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed treatment is so comfortable that almost 100 percent of patients surveyed experienced little or no sensitivity during the process. Because most over-the-counter teeth whitening methods can cause mild to major tooth sensitivity, it’s important to see a dental professional first.

Zoom! WhiteSpeed also lives up to its name because it can make your teeth up to eight shades whiter, using innovative technology. This quick and effective treatment requires no messy gels or trays that you’ll need to take home and use on your own. The entire Zoom! process is completed in one hour, and you’ll leave our office with a brand new smile.

Are you ready to say cheese for the next family photos? Call us today at 773-252-2303 to schedule an appointment. You can also send us a secure message at your convenience.