Tuesday 30 December 2014

What factors affect the colour of my teeth?

Some people are born with teeth that are more yellow than others. Others have teeth that become yellow with age. Your natural tooth colour can also be affected by other factors, such as:

Surface stains and discoloration can be caused by:
- Tobacco use
- Drinking coffee, tea, &/or red wine
- Eating highly pigmented foods such as cherries and blueberries
- Accumulation of tartar deposits

Internal stains can be caused by:
- Treatment with the antibiotic tetracycline during the time when teeth are forming
- Yellowing or graying of the teeth as part of the aging process
- Trauma to the teeth that may result in the death of the tooth's nerve, giving the tooth a brown, gray or black colour
- Ingesting too much fluoride when teeth are forming (from birth to age 16), which gives teeth a "mottled" look

Whitening your teeth has become easier and more effective then ever. Whitening can be done either in-office or at home. Both methods use bleaching gels that oxidize out tooth stains. Sensitivity is a common side-effect of tooth whitening, however normally those symptoms pass within 24-48 hours.

For more information about teeth-whitening options, please contact our office to schedule your appointment with Dr.Jennifer Thomm at Great Lakes Dental.

Saturday 6 December 2014

Why see a Dentist every 6 months?

Well, you might be surprised to learn the extent of what really goes on during your regular check-up. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected.

We recommend that our patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious, unnecessary pain and/or costly problems. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.

Maintaining a regular dental appointment schedule isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health.

If you'd like more information, please contact our office to schedule your appointment with Dr.Jennifer Thomm at Great Lakes Dental.