Baton Rouge Dentist

How do I know if its tartar on my teeth and not plaque?

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My teeth are a yellow white color and I am not sure if it is tarter or plaque. When they do the procedures to remove tartar and plaque how clean will my teeth look? Is it a financially wise to have a dental cleaning?

Thanks, Logan

Dear Logan,

Plaque is a very thin soft invisible film on your teeth that can be removed with brushing and flossing alone. As plaque stays on the teeth it calcifies and becomes visible when it is thick enough and turns into tarter. Once tarter forms on your teeth the only way to remove it is to go to the dentist and have a professional dental cleaning. If plaque and tarter stay on your teeth over a period of time it causes your gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily this is called gingivitis. However if gingivitis is left untreated it turns into gum disease which is when the bone starts to deteriorate around the teeth. This leads to tooth loss. If you want to keep your teeth it is wise to have them cleaned every six months. The longer you go without having them professionally cleaned the more likely you will spend more money on trying to save them when the disease process has progressed.

As for the coloring of your teeth, it could just be the color of your natural teeth. Most people’s adult teeth are not white in color. If after your dental cleaning you still are unhappy with the color of your teeth you do have the option to have them whitened. Ask your dentist about the whitening procedures they offer at the office so you feel comfortable with your smile.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

I brush my teeth three times a day and they are still yellow?

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I have yellow teeth and I been brushing my teeth three times a day since January and now it’s March and I have seen a little change in color. I bought the spin brush it says that it will make my teeth whiter in 7 days. It’s been two months and yet they are still yellow. Please can anyone tell me if there is a way to whiten your teeth?

Thanks, Kim

Dear Kim,

The most effective way to whiten your teeth and keep your smile bright for years is to have them professionally whitened at the dental office. Most offices offer two types of bleaching. One is a take-home kit that requires you to have dental impressions of your teeth so bleach trays can be designed to fit your teeth. You wear the trays daily for a couple of hours with the bleaching gel for two to three weeks. This is the most cost-effective way to bleach your teeth. The price can range from $200 to $350. The other bleaching method is laser bleaching. This procedure usually requires about two hours in the dental chair and can brighten your smile about four shades lighter, depending on the shade of your teeth. This type of bleaching can cost anywhere from $500 to $600, however, whitens teeth instantly unlike the trays. Both methods work well however our teeth can discolor over time from dark liquids and smoking, therefore many like to touch up there smiles about every 3 to 5 years by purchasing a couple of tubes of dental bleach to put in their trays to brighten their smile. We recommend you consult with your dentist to see which procedure will best meet your needs.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

Fluorosis stains on my kid’s teeth

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I’m writing for some clarifying advice, I hope. I am pretty sure I will need to find a new dentist, but could use a more educated opinion.

My youngest daughter has pretty bad staining on her teeth, from fluorosis. Her bottom teeth in the front are really yellow (they are permanent teeth), and her top teeth are blotchy and in some cases almost jagged on the side (those are still baby teeth, though).

She wears braces right now, to try and fix issues related to a long thumb-sucking habit. We put braces on before her 12-year molars came in to try and give her some more confidence in her smile sooner. She is REALLY self-conscious about her teeth, but I think now the discolorations and staining bother her more than the overbite. She is very shy.

Henri from Augusta

Dear Henri,

It is hard when your child suffers from confidence issues, and hopefully you can get connected with a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist who understands the psychology behind appearance as well and the best techniques to enhance her smile.

If her staining is indeed severe, then the teeth must eventually be covered with porcelain veneers. Fluorosis is caused when the teeth are forming, by over-consumption of fluoride. This is sometimes caused by drinking water from public or private wells that has a naturally high level of fluoride over the course of several years when the teeth are developing. It can also be caused by a child repeatedly swallowing too much fluoridated toothpaste. Just as a note, your family dentist should reiterate each time you visit that a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is appropriate, and that you should make sure your child spits it out rather than swallowing.

It is important that you are confident your dentist knows the source of the staining before treatment. If your daughter’s bottom teeth are a uniform yellow (no blotchiness), it may not be from fluorosis, and a simple teeth whitening treatment may be sufficient. If the fluorosis staining is mild, it is possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist could cover the spots with dental bonding.

The key theme here is “skilled experienced cosmetic dentist”. Any dentist can say they do cosmetic work. But you want someone who can prove their skills with before and after pictures and evidence of accreditation and coursework. If you choose your dentist well, they will do a good job choosing the best treatment option for your daughter.

This blog post is a courtesy of the dental office of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge dentist.