As we age, our teeth naturally lose some of their whiteness due to stains that accumulate from the foods and drinks we enjoy, particularly coffee, red wine, soda, and tea. Many of these day-to-day stains can be polished away with daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental cleanings. For those more persistent stains, we offer teeth whitening. 

Why Do My Teeth Turn Yellow?

Over the years, our teeth can lose their natural white sheen from common everyday culprits like sodas, coffee, teas, and red wine. These stains are often easily removed with regular brushing or during your regular dental cleanings at Lenox Hill Prosthodontics. While teeth often build up stains from food debris and particles, the most frequent reason for yellow teeth lies just beneath the surface. Underneath our enamel is a layer called dentin, which is naturally yellow. As enamel thins out due to the acids in our food and drink, natural aging, and wear and tear, teeth start appearing more yellow. Genetics is a significant factor in the dentin layer’s yellowness and the thickness of your enamel.

Do I Need Professional Teeth Whitening?

All patients have different natural tooth shades; almost no one has pure white teeth. Our genetics, lifestyle, and choice in foods and drinks all tend to discolor our teeth over time. While we can minimize these factors, you will need professional intervention to truly whiten your smile.

Prolonging Your Whitening Treatment

Any dental procedure is an investment in your oral health and the attractiveness of your smile. If you’ve had your teeth whitened, there are things you can do to extend the lifespan of your procedure:

• Avoid drinks that can stain your teeth, such as teas, red wine, and coffee. 
• Stay away from foods that can discolor your teeth, like food dyes, turmeric, berries, etc. If these ingredients are in your meal, we recommend eating dairy or vegetables beforehand to help coat your teeth and protect them.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks like lemon juice, vinegar, and carbonated drinks that can thin enamel. 
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals. 
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after acidic food or drink as your enamel will be particularly vulnerable. Wait at least 30 minutes. 
  

We Help Keep Your Teeth Bright at Lenox Hill Prosthodontics.

We offer our patients several different options for teeth whitening. If your smile could use a little boost, we can help! Call us today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Mir.