Teeth Whitening This Holiday

San Clemente’s homegrown dentist knows how important a pearly white smile is to overall happiness. Kristen Ritzau, DDS wants to make this holiday season one to remember. Start making memories with an unforgettable, brilliant sparkle of a smile. Forget about using expensive whitening toothpastes or those store bought sticky films and crazy contraptions. Save money with a single investment on a professional teeth whitening session with Dr. Ritzau. Beyond enjoying the glisten of a white-toothed smile, other benefits of a brighter smile include:

• More youthful appearance
• More frequent smiling
• An increase in self-confidence

Discoloration of tooth enamel may come in a variety of shades and colors. From off-white, to yellow, to grey, the discoloration and unappealing appearance may be caused by either extrinsic discoloration or intrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration is in the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Spotting, pits, streaks, and tinting are common problems found in extrinsic enamel discoloration. Intrinsic discoloration takes place in the inner structure of the tooth, inside the dentin. Dentin discoloration most often occurs in yellow or gray tints.

Dr. Ritzau’s patients will usually be seen for whitening techniques effective for the extrinsic discoloration described above. Several factors play a role in extrinsic discolorations. Below is a list of problematic instigators for staining, discoloration, and tinting.

Drinking carbonated beverages – Carbonated beverages can wear down the enamel while dark colored sodas can tinge the teeth shades darker. Combining carbonation with dark food/beverage coloring can be a problem for habitual soda beverage drinkers.

Cigarette and tobacco use – Smoking cigarettes and chewing snuff or using chewing tobacco allow for tar to build up on tooth enamel and cause unsightly yellow stains.

Coffee, tea, and tea – Combine the heat of coffee with the naturally occurring Polyphenols and teeth are susceptible to yellowing from the tannins. Tannin, tannins, and Tannic Acid are responsible for enamel discoloration and are naturally found in coffee, tea, and wine.

Flouride – That’s right, Flouride can actually cause tooth discoloration. The over-consumption of Flouride is known as Fluorosis and is visible as white, chalky discolorations or brown marks. The brown marks appear as lines, spots, or patches.

Certain medications – Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, are known to produce permanent discoloration.

The good news is that with these unsightly, problematic situations of tooth enamel discoloration and staining, professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve a smile. Call today to schedule your holiday appointment!