What Can I Do About Tooth Discoloration?

By David A. Tecosky DMD | Published on November 1, 2011 | 0 Comments

Tooth discoloration is a common problem with many possible solutions.  When faced with discoloration from coffee, red wine, tea, smoking, or any other discolorant, you should consider consulting a Philadelphia teeth whitening professional.  Although there are many over-the-counter whitening solutions available, Philadelphia dentist David A Tecosky, DMD cautions that these products are not as effective as professional treatments, and may actually cause additional problems.

For example, if you have active tooth decay when you attempt at-home teeth whitening in Philadelphia, the bleach will give you a very sensitive tooth.  Active gum disease will also cause very sensitive and painful gums after bleaching, which is why these conditions should be evaluated and treated prior to bleaching, says Tecosky.

Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly and have your bi-annual dental cleaning, you may find that your teeth require whitening by a Philadelphia professional.  Dr. Tecosky says that regular cleaning only removes surface staining, and that many patients require regular Philadelphia teeth whitening treatments to remove “intrinsic stains,” or stains that are inside the tooth structure, which must be drawn out with special chemicals in order to dissolve the discolored areas.

David A Tecosky, DMD says that it is difficult to predict how often a patient will need to repeat a professional whitening treatment or supplement their treatment with their take-home whitening touch-up kit.  The frequency depends largely on a patient’s personal habits and especially on the structure of their tooth enamel.  People with porous enamel pick up stains faster than others while people with translucent enamel will see stains sooner because you can see through the enamel, but patients with opaque enamel will notice that their teeth tend to bleach and stay bleached a lot longer.

Tecosky adds that his office provides a take-home kit for patients that will finish up an in-office Philadelphia teeth whitening procedure and can be used as a touch-up for those who notice returning tooth discoloration.  Some patients utilize this kit once a year, some every six months, some every two years, depending on their habits and enamel structure.

If you are looking for other teeth discoloration solutions, it makes sense to consult a cosmetic dentist specializing in teeth whitening.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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