Despite brushing and flossing every day, you may notice the color of your teeth change over time. There are several factors that can affect the brightness of your smile, including:

• Certain foods and drinks, especially coffee and red wine, as their darker pigment can erode and stain the enamel of your teeth.

• Tobacco use which can cause yellow staining on the surface of your teeth.

• Medications, like those used for allergies, blood pressure and chemotherapy, can make you more susceptible to staining.

• Injury or trauma to your mouth, which can cause your tooth to change color, due to more dentin forming under the tooth’s enamel.

• Age, because as we get older, the enamel on our teeth begins to thin, allowing staining and underlying dentin to be more prominent.

To brighten dull or stained teeth, many people elect to have their teeth whitened. There are many types of whitening products and treatments out there, so be sure to talk with your dentist to determine which will work best for you.

If you decide to do professional teeth whitening, a couple of options are available:

• In-Office Bleaching (not currently offered): This professional whitening procedure offers more precise application and longer-lasting results. The process is fast and easy too, typically only requiring one visit. During an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist will start by applying a protective gel to your gums. Then, bleach will be applied to your teeth and will need to sit for XX hours. Afterwards, you may need to avoid certain foods and drinks for a while after your treatment to preserve the results. Your dentist will walk you through the post-whitening instructions at the end of the treatment.

• At-Home Bleach Kits: Medford Dental Clinic also offers convenient at-home whitening kits too. While the results may take longer to achieve and typically don’t last quite as long as an in-office treatment, these kits offer more advanced whitening than those purchased over the counter. If you decide to go with at-home whitening, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the bleaching trays.