It is incredibly important to be aware of what foods you eat, as many may be causing tooth decay, gum disease and sensitivity in the mouths of many patients from South Dublin.

The Usual Suspects

Several popular drinks, such as tea and coffee, are particularly common offenders, with black tea being one especially nasty customer. Red wine and cola not only stain but also erode the enamel. Cola, when served chilled, also causes tooth enamel to become more vulnerable and thus susceptible to staining. Soy sauce not only contains powerful discolouring agents but also sticks to the teeth, allowing staining pigments to leech deeper into them. The herbs and spices used in most curries are powerful staining agents, as are sweets and berries. The list hardly stops here but, for the sake of brevity, I think I will.

Counter-attacks

So, what can one do about this? Well, drinking tea through a straw is one option, but what if the damage is already done? Superficial blemishes can be handled by specialist toothpaste or a hygiene appointment with your dentist, but deeper, embedded stains will require teeth whitening treatment. ‘Teeth whitening’ uses a peroxide-based bleaching gel which penetrates the tooth surface and cleans the teeth.

However, in very extreme cases, even teeth whitening might not be effective. In these circumstances, dental veneers are viable option. Veneers are thin shells of material that are bonded to the front of the teeth, the shade of which can be selected to give the impression of a pearly smile. Veneers come in two forms – porcelain and composite. If you are going for a full smile makeover, porcelain is the optimal choice, it being more durable. Porcelain veneers require a minor re-shaping of the mouth, however, so composite veneers are preferable if you only need a few teeth re-coloured and wish to retain more of your natural mouth structure.

 

It is true that certain everyday food and drinks that we consume cause the natural whiteness in our teeth to disappear. Whether it is our everyday morning brew, our love of red wine, or the bad habit of smoking, all these things contribute to the staining and discolouration of our teeth. This can lead to a loss of confidence in our appearance and we can start to feel unattractive, hiding our mouth and trying not to laugh or smile with our mouth open.

Today, more and more people are starting to get their teeth whitened and toothpastes and kits you can buy from the high street are flying off the shelves. Here at Dublin18 Dental Care we offer a range of teeth whitening techniques that provide fantastic results, unlike some of the cheaper high street products.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening technology

Zoom! in-surgery whitening is an innovative, highly successful modern treatment, performed in our dental surgery, which achieves fantastic results in under an hour. The treatment uses a state of the gel and light technology to achieve the whitest smiles. The gel is applied to the teeth and a special light is used to activate the gel to break down the stains and discolouration that dampens even the most attractive smiles.

At home kits

You can also choose to lighten your teeth in your home with home whitening kits, which can achieve lighter, brighter teeth over a number of weeks. We first will take an impression of your teeth and create a tray that fits your own mouth. You will then put a special gel in the trays, which lightens the teeth by up to several shades over the course of the treatment.

Whatever method of whitening you choose patients from Stillorgan can call or drop in at Dublin18 Dental care where we can discuss the best options for you.

Many people with stained and discoloured teeth feel embarrassed when they smile and they often find an excuse to hide their teeth from others. If you are one of these people, then don’t worry – you are not alone. Tooth discolouration is extremely common and can occur due to a number of reasons. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to help patients from Foxrock and nearby areas identify them:

Food and drink

The outer surface of the teeth – the enamel – becomes stained or discoloured over time by certain foods and drinks. Drinks such as coffee and tea, red wine, fizzy drinks like cola and foods that are high in sugar and acid, such as sweets and citrus fruits, are the primary causes of tooth discolouration.

Smoking

Cigarettes or cigars are another contributor to tooth discolouration with nicotine stains often difficult to get rid of. 

Genetics

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to control our genetic make-up and some individuals are genetically pre-disposed to tooth discolouration.

Age

Tooth discolouration is a common side-effect of the ageing process. As we age our tooth enamel wears and become thinner, making the tissue inside our teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin also darkens with age making teeth appear more yellow.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines) can stain the teeth, particularly when taken in childhood or by mothers during pregnancy.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and have a good diet in order to keep your teeth looking clean and healthy.

Tooth Whitening

If you are suffering from tooth discolouration and want a beautiful, sparkling white smile again, we have the perfect solution for you at Dublin18 Dental Care. We offer two types of tooth whitening treatments:

1.      In-Surgery Zoom!

This treatment takes place in the dental practice and takes up to one hour for instant results. A gel is applied to your teeth and then a special light will trigger the gel and whiten the teeth.

2.      Patient Home Kits

Home whitening kits involve tooth whitening that doesn’t need to be carried out in-surgery. With our home-whitening kits you’ll have noticeably whiter teeth in a matter of weeks or even days.

If your teeth are stained and discoloured, or you simply want a brighter, whiter smile, call Dublin18 Dental Care to book a consultation.