Titirangi Dental
Dental News
Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste?
It’s a question many patients think about, especially if their teeth feel fine:
“Do I really need to come in for a hygiene clean?”
If you’re brushing and flossing regularly, it can feel like you’re doing everything right. But even with excellent home care, there are things happening in your mouth that you simply can’t manage on your own.
What Does a Hygiene Clean Actually Do?
A professional hygiene clean is designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up from areas that are difficult or impossible to clean at home.
During a hygiene visit, we:
- Assess your gum health
- Remove plaque and hardened tartar
- Clean around and below the gumline
- Remove surface stains
- Provide personalised oral hygiene advice
- It’s not just about how your teeth look, it’s about keeping your gums and supporting structures healthy.
But I Brush and Floss, isn’t That Enough?
- Brushing and flossing are essential, but they have limits.
- Even with great technique:
- Some areas are hard to reach
- Plaque can still remain
- Tartar can still form
- Bacteria can build up below the gumline
- Once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed with brushing or flossing — it requires professional cleaning.
What Happens If You Skip Hygiene Cleans?
If regular cleans are delayed or skipped, plaque and tartar continue to build up over time.
This can lead to:
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Progression to periodontal disease
- Tooth mobility and potential tooth loss
- The key thing to remember is that many of these changes happen gradually and without pain, especially in the early stages.
“My Teeth Feel Fine”. Do I Still Need to Come In?
Yes, and this is one of the most important points.
Gum disease often develops silently, meaning:
- You may not feel pain
- You may not notice early changes
- Damage can occur beneath the surface
- By the time symptoms become obvious, the condition may already be more advanced.
- Regular hygiene visits allow us to detect and manage issues early.
Who Definitely Needs Regular Hygiene Cleans?
While everyone benefits from professional cleaning, it is especially important if you:
- Have had gum disease in present and the past
- Notice bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Build up tartar quickly
- Smoke or vape
- Have dental implants or complex dental work
- Experience bad breath
- These patients are often placed on 3–6 month recall intervals to maintain stability.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Hygiene Visits?
Coming in regularly helps to:
- Keep your gums healthy
- Prevent gum disease
- Remove tartar build-up
- Reduce bad breath
- Maintain a clean, fresh smile
- Detect problems early
- Avoid more complex and costly treatment later
- It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term oral health.
Is a Hygiene Clean Worth It?
Absolutely.
A hygiene clean is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a preventative treatment that helps avoid more serious issues down the track.
Think of it as maintaining your oral health rather than waiting for problems to arise.
FAQs
How often should I come in?
Most patients benefit from cleans every 6 months, but some may need them more frequently or less depending on their risk.
Will it hurt?
Most cleans are comfortable, and we adjust treatment based on your sensitivity.
Can I skip it if my teeth look clean?
Even if your teeth look clean, tartar and bacteria can still be present below the gumline.
Is it really necessary long-term?
Yes, regular maintenance is key to preventing gum disease and protecting your teeth.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for the Long Term!
Even with the best home care, professional hygiene cleans play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health.
At Titirangi Dental Centre, we tailor your hygiene care to suit your individual needs and help you stay on top of your oral health long-term.
Call 09 817 6057 or contact us online to book your hygiene appointment today.
Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
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Is it necessary to use mouthwash?
If it’s been a while since your last dental clean, you might be wondering what actually happens during the appointment, and whether it’s really necessary. A professional dental clean is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. It goes far beyond what you can achieve at home and plays a key role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and long-term dental problems.
Why Dental Cleans Are So Important: Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque naturally builds up on your teeth every day. If it isn’t removed thoroughly, it hardens into tartar (calculus), and once that happens, it cannot be removed at home.
Over time, this build-up can lead to:
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Bad breath
- Staining
- Bone loss and tooth loss
Regular dental cleans help stop this process early, before damage becomes more serious and harder to treat.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Dental Clean
1. Medical History & Oral Health Review
We begin by reviewing your medical history and checking for any updates. This helps us tailor your treatment and ensure everything is safe and appropriate for you.
2. Gum Health Assessment
Your gums are carefully examined for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or gum disease.We may gently measure around your teeth to assess gum health and check for any areas that need closer attention.
3. Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)
Using specialised instruments (including ultrasonic scalers), we remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth.This step focuses especially on:
- Along the gumline
- Between teeth
- Hard-to-reach areas
This is the most important part of the clean, as tartar cannot be removed with brushing alone.
4. Airflow Cleaning (Advanced Stain Removal)
We use Airflow technology, a gentle combination of air, water, and fine powder, to remove surface stains caused by:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Smoking or vaping
Airflow is much more comfortable than traditional polishing and is very effective at lifting stains without damaging the enamel.5. Polishing the Teeth
After stain and tartar removal, your teeth are polished to create a smooth surface.
This helps:
- Reduce plaque sticking to teeth
- Improve the feel of your teeth
- Enhance the overall appearance of your smile
6. Personalised Oral Health Advice
No two patients are the same, so we provide tailored advice based on your oral health.
This may include:
- Brushing technique
- Interdental cleaning (floss or brushes)
- Diet advice
- Gum care tips
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Clean?
Regular dental cleans help to:
- Prevent gum disease
- Remove tartar and plaque build-up
- Reduce bad breath
- Improve gum health
- Remove stains and brighten your smile
- Detect problems early
- Protect your teeth long-term
Does a Dental Clean Hurt?
For most patients, dental cleans are comfortable.
If your gums are inflamed or sensitive, you may feel some mild discomfort — but we always adjust the treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible.
The earlier you come in, the easier and more comfortable your clean will be.
FAQs
How long does a dental clean take?
Usually between 45–90 minutes, depending on how much build-up is present and your gum health.
How often should I get a clean?
Most people benefit from cleans every 6 months, but some may need them more frequently depending on their risk.
Will a dental clean whiten my teeth?
A clean removes surface stains, so your teeth may look brighter — but it is not the same as professional whitening.
Can I skip cleans if I brush and floss well?
No, even excellent home care cannot remove hardened tartar.
Keep Your Smile Healthy and Fresh
There’s no doubt that a professional dental clean plays a key role in maintaining a healthy, confident smile. Keeping on top of your oral health now can help prevent more complex (and costly) problems in the future.
At Titirangi Dental Centre, we use gentle, modern techniques — including Airflow — to make your dental clean as effective and comfortable as possible.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment
Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
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Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste?
When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely? We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because:
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment
- Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.
- Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage.
- Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.
- Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health
- Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride. However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride.
Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?
Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.
The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.
How to manage sensitivity
- Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
- Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
- Be gentle when brushing.
- Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
- If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment
Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
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Dental Implants
Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance
Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.
The Importance of Dental Implants
1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.
2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.
3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?
Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.
Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry often go hand in hand. There are times when a bit of work is required to bring the teeth up to their best possible condition before beginning cosmetic work. At Titirangi Dental, we offer many types of dentistry treatments in West Auckland. In this article, we’re taking a look at the differences and types of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is an umbrella term for a wide range of procedures that dentists use to keep your mouth functional and healthy. The term mainly refers to the preventative and corrective steps that are necessary to maintain our optimum oral health.
Restorative dentistry can fix a wide range of problems, such as missing teeth, broken teeth, cavities and tooth decay. Fixing these issues is important to prevent them from leading to much more serious problems.
Some procedures in restorative dentistry include:
- Dental implants – this is used to replace missing teeth in a permanent and highly effective manner
- Fillings – when a tooth is decayed, that needs to be cleaned out and filled with a special substance to prevent further infection
- Dentures – used to replace missing teeth, dentures are an effective and fast treatment option
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
The main difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry is that cosmetic procedures are mainly focused on improving the aesthetic value of your smile. Cosmetic procedures can also help to improve the functionality of your mouth and prevent problems like stained or chipped teeth from getting worse.
Some popular cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
- Teeth whitening – this involves bleaching the teeth to get rid of discolouration and stains on the enamel of the tooth
- Dental veneers – these are porcelain shells that cover the front of the tooth to fix its shape, size or colour
- Dental crowns – crowns are used to create a protective shell for broken, weak or decayed teeth
Using Restorative Dentistry with Cosmetic Dentistry
Many dental professionals will use restorative dentistry to fix major issues inside the mouth, such as a broken or missing tooth. After this, your dentist may recommend cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile as a whole.
The terms “restorative” and “cosmetic” dentistry are umbrella terms that cover almost every dental procedure available today. Depending on the outcome you’re looking for, your dentist will be able to suggest a treatment option. Restorative dentistry tends to be better covered by health insurance than cosmetic dentistry.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment
Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
Our Winning Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth
Our Winning Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth
Your oral health has the ability to negatively impact your overall health. Missing teeth that go untreated can lead to a list of additional problems in your mouth and throughout your body. At Titirangi Dental, we offer the finest quality treatments for replacing missing teeth, which is why we’re here to explain your options to you.
The Causes and Risks of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can be caused by tooth decay, gum diseases, dental injuries, dental extractions, ageing, wear and tear, and even genetics. There’s no shortage of reasons for missing teeth which is why it’s so important to stay on top of your oral hygiene every day.
Missing teeth can lead to a huge range of risks, including:
- Causing your jaw bone to shrink and your gums to recede – this weakens the surrounding teeth and increases your risk of tooth decay and plaque build-up
- The surrounding teeth can migrate into the gap, leading to misalignment, crooked teeth or overcrowding in the mouth
- Increasing your risk of gum disease as pockets form and allow bacteria to grow and multiply
Gum disease and poor oral health can also lead to severe health issues throughout your body, including:
- Heart disease caused by infections and inflammation – this can lead to cardiovascular disease, strokes, or clogged arteries
- Germs and bacteria can spread to your bloodstream and cause an infection in the inner lining of your heart, known as endocarditis
- Premature birth in pregnant women who have gum disease due to increased levels of chemicals in the body
Our Best Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth
If you’re suffering from missing teeth, Titirangi Dental offers high-quality dental restorations and tooth replacements in West Auckland. We use the latest techniques, equipment and dental materials to rebuild your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent, effective method of replacing one or more missing teeth down to the root. This procedure has an extremely high success rate, and it involves inserting an implant into the root of the missing tooth and allowing it to fuse with the bone. Once completed, a crown is used to restore its size, shape and colour.
Tooth-Supported Fixed Bridge
Dental bridges are used to literally bridge the gap between teeth. The process involves grinding down the adjacent teeth and placing a supportive bridge between them, offering stability and strength. Dental bridges are also fairly easy to install and look fantastic when completed correctly.
Speak to Titirangi Dental about Your Choices
Don’t be frustrated and put at risk by your missing teeth any longer. Get in touch with the professional team of dentists at Titirangi Dental in West Auckland to discover your best treatment option. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
The Versatility and Strength of Dental Crowns
The Versatility and Strength of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used widely in the dental profession to restore the shape, size, strength and appearance of teeth. They are also used during many procedures to create a strong and beautiful smile after complex dental work. At Titirangi Dental, we help our patients achieve the best possible results with our high-quality dental crowns.
In this article, we’re exploring the strength and versatility of dental crowns so you can understand if they’re right for your needs.
What Makes Dental Crowns So Versatile?
There are many cases where crowns are used to finish a root canal therapy; however, their appearance and durability makes them a fantastic option for stand-alone dental restoration treatments.
At Titirangi Dental, we recommend crowns for:
- Protecting a weak or damaged tooth
- Restoring teeth that have been worn down
- Covering a tooth that has fragments missing
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Restoring the colour and shape of teeth
- Covering and strengthening a dental implant
- Saving a child’s tooth that cannot support a filling
- Protecting a child’s tooth that is at high risk of decay
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Crowns are made in a separate laboratory to fit your exact tooth size and bite. We contour the contact to the adjacent teeth so that food doesn’t get wedged between them, and make sure the crown is perfectly matched to the rest of your teeth. These custom-made shells are permanently fixed to your teeth to solve a large range of dental problems.
Dental crowns are important in restoring and maintaining the structural integrity of your bite and mouth. A broken or decayed tooth can leave a gap that leads to even further problems and migration in your surrounding teeth. Crowns close that gap and restore the strength of your teeth.
Making Strong Crowns that Are Built to Last
Porcelain may seem like a fragile material, but the truth is that porcelain crowns are extremely strong and can be permanently bonded to the subsurface of your tooth. Porcelain is strong enough to use for eating, biting and chewing without being damaged. Your porcelain crown should last up to 15 years, although there have been reports of crowns lasting for 30 years.
So long as you maintain appropriate oral hygiene, your porcelain crowns should last for an extremely long period of time. Another bonus is that they look amazing and are barely noticeable against your other teeth.
Speak to Titirangi Dental about Your Treatment Options
If you need a root canal procedure or dental implants, you’ll be needing crowns to finish the work. Speak to Titirangi Dental about your oral health needs and we will recommend the best possible treatment path. Visit our West Auckland dental clinic today. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
Remove Gaps in Your Teeth with High-Quality Veneers
Having gaps in your teeth is a common occurrence for many people, and although there are minimal negative effects of gapped teeth, it can be frustrating and lower your self-confidence. If you’re considering correcting the gap in your teeth, speak to a dentist about your options. Our dental professionals are exploring how high-quality veneers can solve these problems.
What Causes Gaps in Teeth?
Most of the time, our dentists treat gaps between the front teeth as those tend to be the most noticeable. A gap between the teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth and it can be caused by a range of things, including:
- Missing teeth that have made other teeth spread apart
- The teeth are too small in proportion to the jaw
- Sucking your thumb as a child
- Pushing your tongue against your teeth when you swallow
What are Porcelain Veneers and How Do They Close Gaps?
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells that are placed on the front surface of the teeth to improve their shape, size, colour and appearance. High-quality, custom veneers can be used to close wider gaps in the teeth, especially if the front teeth are uneven.
Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers don’t require much preparation of the tooth or to remove the natural tooth structure. They are simply used to cover stains, chips and misaligned teeth in a simple and effective way. Porcelain veneers last between four and twelve years, depending on how well you look after them, making them a great permanent fixture for closing gaps.
The Process of Using Veneers to Close Tooth Gaps
The first step is to head to your dentist in West Auckland, Titirangi Dental. We will ensure your natural teeth are strong enough to support the veneers before beginning the process. First, we remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to ensure the new veneers fit perfectly with your smile line. We will give you a temporary veneer to wear while you wait for the custom-made one to arrive.
The custom-made veneers are colour matched with your existing teeth and given the same naturally translucency. They are then fixed to your teeth with a special bonding agent.
What Happens If Your Tooth Gap Is Too Big?
If the gaps in your teeth are too large to be fixed with porcelain veneers, our dentists may recommend starting an Invisalign treatment to straighten and realign your teeth. Invisalign is a fast, permanent and effective method of straightening your teeth that is almost invisible.
Book a Consultation with Titirangi Dental in West Auckland
To find out your best options at our dental clinic in West Auckland, contact our professional team. We will help you choose the right treatment path for your oral needs. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?
There are many cases of people feeling sensitivity in their teeth after a tooth whitening treatment. Although safe and professional treatments do lower your risk of adverse effects, there is a chance of increased sensitivity after treatment. Titirangi Dental is looking into what causes tooth sensitivity and how you can prevent it.
What Is Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
Teeth whitening sensitivity usually occurs in people who already have sensitive teeth and, although it can be uncomfortable, it won’t result in permanent damage or a long-term change in how your teeth feel. There are specially formulated whitening kits that have been designed for people with sensitive teeth, so you can still enjoy whiter teeth no matter what.
Some sensitivity is normal after a teeth whitening treatment; however, if you continue to feel sensitivity for a long period of time, consult your dentist. This may be a sign of a deeper problem.
The Causes of Teeth Whitening Sensitivity
Most professional whitening kits include a percentage of hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient. This is necessary because the bleach works to fight stains that have worked their way deep into the enamel. Some people are more sensitive to peroxide than others, and they may begin to feel an aching or discomfort during the treatment process.
Afterwards, many people feel discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold products. Although this can be frustrating or scary, teeth whitening sensitivity isn’t permanent and it will go away after a short period of time.
Preventing Sensitivity after Your Treatment
There are two main ways to prevent sensitivity from occurring. You can choose a product that has a lower level of peroxide and shorter application times in order to protect your teeth from discomfort. These products are less concentrated and can be complemented with whitening toothpaste after your treatment. Speak to your dentist about finding the right product.
Another method of preventing sensitivity is to be careful with what you consume after your treatment. Avoid extreme temperatures in your food and beverages for the days following your teeth whitening procedure and you shouldn’t be impacted as dramatically by your tooth sensitivity.
Make Sure You Discuss Your Sensitivity with Your Dentist
If you know you are prone to sensitivity in your teeth, make sure you express this to your dentist when you have a consultation for teeth whitening. That way, they can make the best possible recommendations for your needs and ensure you don’t experience unbearable sensitivity after the treatment.
To discover your options in teeth whitening from Titirangi Dental in West Auckland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by calling 09 817 6057 or contacting us online.
The Causes of Stained Teeth and How to Correct Them
The Causes of Stained Teeth and How to Correct Them
Beautiful, white teeth can transform a person’s appearance and enhance their confidence tenfold. Unfortunately, our lifestyles and diets can cause our teeth to become discoloured and show yellow-brown stains. In this article, Titirangi Dental is taking a closer look at what causes stains on teeth and how we deal with them in our West Auckland dental clinic.
Understanding the Anatomy of Teeth
Each of your teeth consists of an inner dentin layer and a hard enamel layer on the outside which protects the teeth. Substances that we consume over the years can create another layer on top of the enamel that changes the white colour of teeth to a yellowish-brown.
Professional cleans and adequate dental hygiene can help to remove these stains as they appear. If left untreated over many years, stains can enter the porous surface of your enamel and become extremely difficult to remove without bleaching.
What Causes Stains on Teeth?
There are many causes of stained teeth that vary in severity and ease of treatment, including:
- Foods and drinks – coffee, red wine, tea, cola and some fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth
- Chewing or smoking tobacco
- Poor dental hygiene – failing to brush, floss and rinse your teeth makes them more susceptible to stains
- Diseases – certain diseases affect enamel and dentin, leading to discolouration (radiation and chemotherapy can also cause teeth to change colour)
- Certain medications
- Ageing – your enamel naturally wears away over time to show the natural colour of dentin
- Excessive fluoride in water and products
- Sudden trauma
Preventing Tooth Discolouration
There are simple lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent stains from forming on your teeth. Consider cutting back or quitting coffee if you’re a regular drinker – the same idea goes for smoking cigarettes.
You can improve your dental hygiene through brushing, flossing and using a recommended mouthwash every day. See your dentist every 6 months for a clean to remove any existing build-up of bacteria and stains.
How We Treat Stains on Teeth at Titirangi Dental
Professional teeth whitening treatments use bleach and other chemicals that enter the tooth enamel and set off an oxidation reaction that breaks apart the compounds that make up the stain. Book a consultation and we will ensure you are a good candidate for safe teeth whitening.
At Titirangi Dental, we offer two methods of safe and effective teeth whitening. You can either have the process completed in our dental clinic or choose take-home teeth whitening kits that have been specially formulated for you.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to get rid of those unappealing dental stains. Visit your West Auckland dental clinic by calling 09 817 6057 or contacting us online.
Don’t Trust Teeth Whitening Kits You Order Online
Don’t Trust Teeth Whitening Kits You Order Online
Teeth whitening has become a global phenomenon and it’s common to see people promoting kits they’ve bought online in order to whiten their teeth at home. Unfortunately, there are many risks associated with using chemicals that haven’t been approved by your dentist. In this article, we’re exploring the risks of shopping online for teeth whitening kits and how you can achieve white teeth safely.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
To understand how teeth whitening works, we need to take a closer look at what causes stains on teeth. Each of your teeth consists of an inner dentin layer and a hard enamel layer on the outside which protects the teeth. Food, coffee, red wine and cigarette smoke create another layer on top of the enamel that changes the white colour of teeth.
You can clean this additional layer away with regular brushing or a professional clean where your dentist scrapes and chemically treats your teeth. The problem with these methods is that after years of letting the build-up sit on your teeth, it begins to work its way into the porous enamel. Deep stains are harmless but they are seen to detract from a person’s appearance.
Professional teeth whitening treatments use bleaching and chemicals to enter the tooth enamel and set off an oxidation reaction that breaks apart the compounds that make up the stain. This is a complex and risky procedure that should only be performed by a dentist or under dental supervision.
The Problems with Buying Whitening Kits Online
When you’re purchasing teeth whitening kits online and importing them from other countries, you may be putting yourself at risk because other countries’ have fewer regulations in place to protect your teeth. High levels of bleaching chemicals can damage your teeth when not applied properly.
Another problem is that whitening trays that don’t fit properly can be unsafe. Unless you have your trays moulded by a dentist, chemicals may leak out and cause blistering in the gums and general irritation to the mouth. Incorrect use of whitening kits can cause severe chemical burns, permanent scarring and difficulty eating.
It’s difficult to assess which chemicals are being used in these online kits because they don’t adequately state the ingredients to the public. In all, the risks don’t outweigh the rewards.
How to Safely Achieve Whiter Teeth
At Titirangi Dental, we offer two methods of safe and effective teeth whitening. If you organise a consultation with our professionals, we will make sure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and that the process will be safe for your individual situation.
You can either have the process completed in our dental clinic or choose take-home teeth whitening kits that have been specially formulated and created for your mouth. Speak to Titirangi Dental to find the right solution for your needs. Visit your West Auckland dental clinic by calling 09 817 6057 or contacting us online.
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Testimonials
I first went to Titirangi dental in Feb 2022 with a terrible tooth ache. Luke and the team not only helped me get that tooth back to good health but have worked closely with me on gum issues since. I like that Luke talks me through each step before, during and after which helps me stay informed. I also appreciate the they provide options for treatment. I avoided dentists for my whole adult life to my own detriment. Each time I went in, it left me not feeling the best and they didn’t take a holistic approach but that has changed now.
Amazing clinic with a great team, the friendly receptionist and supportive team makes my dental visit comfortable experience. Morgan Scanlan, she is an amazing dental hygienist, she is caring and kind. Dr Luke Simpson is very professional and respectful, he handles patient with a great patience and caring. Dr Luke Simpson did such an amazing job on my teeth. Their practice is equipped with latest technology for all dental procedure. Highly impressed with the dental service I received from the team. Highly recommended dental service for all your dental needs.