Dental staining might not be seen as a big deal and traditionally, it has been seen as cosmetic. Although this might be technically true, at our dentist Liverpool, we understand that such a view devalues the impact that our teeth have on our general confidence and interactions.
Clinically relevant staining
Some staining is clinically important as plaque slowly calcifies on teeth. It forms a hard layer of tartar that itself has a dark and yellow shade to it, but its rough texture is particularly susceptible to picking up other stains from smoking and tannins from wine and coffee. This is often seen as a rough brown patch between teeth.
The tartar is very difficult to remove at home without damaging the teeth and acts as a jumping off point for bacteria to attack gum tissue, starting as gingivitis and eventually progressing into full blown gum disease. At the Liverpool Smile Studio we can resolve this situation using deep cleansing by our hygienist to remove tartar and giving tips on how to prevent its return.
General dental staining
General staining can either accumulate on or in the first few microns of the enamel of the tooth. If it’s attached to the surface, it’s referred to as extrinsic staining, much like the way paint is attached to the wall, but does not actually enter it. Extrinsic staining is best dealt with using grinding or abrasion methods.
Intrinsic staining actually permeates the enamel and chemically alters it, like the way ink seeps into a piece of paper or the way a tattoo is performed. Intrinsic staining is best dealt with by using an oxygen based bleaching agent to make the pigment lighter, similar to the way that hydrogen peroxide oxidises the melanin in hair giving a blonde finish.
Scale and polish
Before engaging in any more extensive treatment at our dentist Liverpool, the first step is a scale and polish, to remove any stubborn tartar build-up from the teeth. A scale and polish can significantly brighten a smile and if results are unsatisfactory, or no tartar build-up is present, further treatment can be considered.
Tooth whitening
We perform dental whitening in our clinic using custom-made trays. It can take up to 40 minutes for a treatment depending on what your shade goals are, so multiple sessions may be needed. Whitening gels are well tolerated by most patients. It can cause temporary dental sensitivity and is not recommended for those with thinning enamel or if you’re already suffering from dental sensitivity.
Avoiding future staining
Some dental staining can be avoided, particularly if the cause is either smoking or chewing tobacco. Beauty fads like eating a ‘white’ diet, avoiding chocolate and tumeric have no scientific basis. Just good oral hygiene and regular check-ups at our dentist Liverpool should be enough to stay on top of a build-up. Immediately after a lightening treatment session after using peroxide gel, the permeability of your teeth is very high, as they are dehydrated during the treatment. In these first few hours post-treatment they are particularly susceptible to picking up new stains, but outside this period of vulnerability, there is no evidence of diet affecting dental staining.
This is just a rough guide and if you would like information more tailored to you, please feel free to get in contact with our clinic.