A significant portion of adults, when asked what they would most like to change about their smile, answer tooth color. There are a variety of teeth whitening treatments on the market for those seeking a brighter smile. But do they work for all dental stains?

Dr. Jajung Yoon, Dr. Kartik Antani, and Dr. Jong Wook Park of Rio Rancho Smiles Family Dental in Rio Rancho, NM, will help you answer that question and determine the best course of action to get your pearly whites looking even whiter.

Why do teeth change color?

Tooth discoloration happens over time and can be the result of several factors, such as:

• Diet – Foods that contain chromogens, a type of color pigment, are a major source of tooth discoloration. These chromogens attach to a white film of protein that covers the tooth called enamel and causes it to stain. Coffee, tea, wine, and soda are major dietary culprits that cause tooth color to change.

• Tobacco – Tar and Nicotine, two chemicals found in tobacco, are also known to create tooth stains. Tar is dark in color. Nicotine, while colorless in its natural state, turns yellowish when mixed with oxygen and stains the surface of teeth it comes into contact with.

• Age – While enamel is white, just beneath the enamel layer on teeth lies a more yellowish layer called dentin. As individuals age, the outer enamel layer thins more of the dentin shows through.

• Trauma – Trauma to the tooth may cause teeth to change color as teeth react to trauma by laying down more dentin, which is darker in tone.

• Medication – Individuals who take medications may experience tooth darkening as tooth darkening can be a side effect of medications such as antihistamines and high blood pressure medications, among others.

Will teeth whitening work on all stains?

Dental professionals have identified two main types of tooth stains:

1. Extrinsic stains – Extrinsic tooth stains lie on the surface of the tooth. It occurs most often from residue from food and drinks building up on the tooth’s enamel. This type of tooth stain, which is usually yellow, responds the best to teeth whitening, as well as regular dental cleaning and brushing with special whitening toothpastes. Professional whitening treatments can brighten teeth up to eight shades.

2. Intrinsic stains – An intrinsic stain is a stain that has penetrated below the surface of a tooth. It occurs when stain-causing molecules deposit within the tooth enamel. These teeth are typically brown or grey. Intrinsic stains do not respond to whitening treatments. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers to cover this type of discoloration.

Additionally, whitening does not work on fillings, crowns, veneers, or caps. Whitening will also not work if tooth discoloration is due to medication or trauma.

Are there any adverse effects from tooth whitening?

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after whitening treatment. This is usually due to peroxide in the whitener getting beneath the tooth’s enamel and irritating the nerve. This condition is usually temporary.

Teeth Whitening in Rio Rancho, NM

Dr. Yoon, Dr. Antani, Dr. Park, and our team at Rio Rancho Smiles Family Dental are ready to answer all of your teeth-whitening questions and guide you toward the best solution. Call (505) 994-9693 to schedule a free consultation or book an appointment online through our contact page today.

The key to achieving healthy teeth and gums in kids is early intervention. That means taking steps to prevent adverse dental conditions before they start. Dr. Jajung Yoon, Dr. Kartik Antani, and Dr. Jong Wook Park of Rio Rancho Smiles Family Dental in Rio Rancho, NM, can help guide kids toward smart oral health decisions that will help prevent bad dental care habits before they develop.

1.  What is preventive dental care?

Preventive dentistry helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Strong oral health is achieved through a combination of good habits like daily flossing and brushing and regular checkups with your dental professional.

Developing strong oral health habits begins early and (hopefully) extends throughout a person’s life.

2.  What are common preventive dentistry procedures?

Preventive dentistry procedures for kids can include:

• Regular exams and checkups – usually every 6 months
• Professional cleanings
• Regular X-rays to help monitor tooth and jaw development
• Orthodontic care for crooked teeth or misaligned bites (under- or overbites).
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants

3.  Is there a role for a parent to play in their child’s preventive dental care?

Yes. Parents play the most vital role in their child’s preventive dental care regimen. Parents should encourage their kids to:

• Brush. Brushing teeth at least twice daily – usually in the morning after waking up (or 30 minutes after breakfast) and at night before going to bed – with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, is one of the most important habits a child can develop. (Important! Don’t forget to teach your child to brush his tongue. This helps to remove bacteria and also to help freshen his breath.)

• Floss. Flossing daily helps to remove food that has gotten stuck between teeth before it has a chance to turn into harmful plaque. If a child has been fitted with braces, floss threaders can be used to get in between the metal brackets.

Asking a dentist for a quick demonstration at your child’s next appointment can ensure he is getting the full benefit of this important habit.

• Rinse with mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing can be an effective way to flush food particles out of the mouth that have been dislodged after brushing and flossing.

• Wear a mouthguard. If a child participates in a contact sport such as wrestling, hockey, or football, using a properly fitted mouthguard is an essential part of keeping teeth and mouths safe from trauma and damage.

• Avoid tobacco products. Using tobacco products, such as cigarettes, can lead to harmful diseases such as cancer, as well as other dental conditions such as tooth discoloration.

• Be careful when eating certain foods. Hard candy, and foods with pits or bones, can lead to chipped teeth. Teaching your child to chew these types of foods with caution can help them avoid accidents.

4.  Do dental plans cover preventive dental services?

Yes, many do. Preventive dental care for kids is an important part of children’s health, so many dental plans cover it. Cleanings (1 every 6 months), X-rays, and fluoride treatments are a few examples of treatments covered by many dental plans.

Preventive Dental Care for Children in Rio Rancho, NM

Whatever your child’s preventive care needs, Dr. Yoon, Dr. Antani, Dr. Park, and the team at Rio Rancho Smiles Family Dental stand ready to answer all of your questions and guide you toward the best preventive care solutions for the entire family. Call (505) 994-9693 to schedule a free consultation or book an appointment online through our contact page today.