Causes of Tooth Stain and Discoloration

By Mina Levi, DDS, 09/11/2015

Almost everyone wants to have a pearly white smile instead of having yellow or brown staining on the teeth. Whitening is a great option for most to whiten the color of the teeth. However, sometimes there is stain on the teeth that needs to be cleaned before the color of the enamel can show through. In this week’s article, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS talks about the causes of tooth stain and discoloration and what you can do to keep your teeth white.

 

1. Staining food/drink. Dark colored foods and drinks like coffee, cola, wines, fruits, and red sauces stain the teeth. Avoid eating a lot of these foods, or keeping the food/drink in your mouth for an extended period of time. You can also rinse out your mouth and/or brush and floss after eating staining foods to keep staining at bay.

2. Poor hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth can cause tooth discoloration. Also, without brushing and flossing, staining foods and drinks like coffee stay on the teeth and stain them.

3. Tobacco use. When you smoke cigarettes/cigars or chew tobacco, the substances used to make these products cause the teeth to change color.

4. Medications. Certain medications like antibiotics, especially when given as children, can affect the color of the teeth.

5. Age. As we age, the outer layer of enamel wears down and the darker dentin shows through, causing the teeth to appear darker. For more information about how teeth and oral health change as we age, check out our previous article here: AGING AND ORAL HEALTH.

6. Trauma. Damage to the teeth can cause the teeth to die and change color.

If you have any questions about how teeth get stained or what you can do to avoid staining your teeth, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco dentist, tooth stain, stained teeth, staining foods, staining drinks, what drinks stain teeth, what foods stain teeth, teeth stain, whitening, teeth whitening, zoom whitening, causes of tooth stain, causes of tooth discoloration 

How Whitening Toothpastes Can Cause Sensitivity

How Whitening Toothpastes Can Cause Sensitivity

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/06/2015

Whitening your teeth can be done in the dental office with Zoom whitening or custom take-home whitening trays, or you can use home whitening products such as whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Although you will be warned of possible sensitivity when you have your teeth whitened at the dental office, the warnings for whitening toothpaste are not so clear sometimes. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDStalks about how whitening toothpastes can cause sensitivity and why.

Bleaching products contain peroxides (similar to the hydrogen peroxide you have at home) to help remove deep and surface stains from the teeth. Whitening toothpastes are called dentifrices, which have chemical agents that are designed to remove surface stains through chemical chelation or polishing, rather than via bleaching.

 Some of the abrasive factors found in whitening toothpastes that are great at removing stains also open up pores in the enamel when used for an extended period of time and can cause tooth sensitivity.

To avoid sensitivity when using whitening toothpaste, use a sensitive whitening toothpaste like Sensodyne, or switch from whitening toothpaste to regular toothpaste periodically.

If you are having tooth sensitivity after using whitening toothpaste or have questions about different teeth whitening procedures in the dental office, visit San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco dentist, San Francisco cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening, whitening toothpaste, whitening toothpaste sensitivity, sensitivity after using toothpaste, tooth sensitivity, toothpaste sensitivity

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/02/2015

There are many articles that explain what you can’t eat or what foods are bad for you to eat after completing whitening treatment, but many don’t say what youare allowed to eat. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS gives some suggestions for food after whitening your teeth!

Main Entrée Suggestions: Turkey, white tuna (no vinegar), white fish, canned chicken breast, chicken breast without the skin, grilled cheese with white cheddar or mozzarella cheese, pasta with white sauce such as alfredo.

 Side Dish Suggestions: Plain pasta, white rice, mashed or baked potato (no peel).

 Beverage Suggestions: Milk, water, clear soda (sprite) or tonic.

 Alcohol Suggestions: Gin or Vodka (no orange juice). White wine is ok.

 Fruits & Vegetable Suggestions: Apples, bananas, pears (no peels) and cauliflower.

 Snack Suggestions: Cottage cheese, plain or vanilla yogurt, snack wells vanilla cookies, vanilla pudding, white cheese, white cheddar or mozzarella.

 Condiment Suggestions: Mayonnaise, sour cream and white gravy.

 Carbohydrate Suggestions: White bread (no crust), flour tortillas (white), crackers.

 Breakfast Suggestions: Pancakes with white syrup, egg whites, oatmeal, cream of wheat.

Additional ways you can help maintain your sparkling Zoom smile is to avoid staining related habits, use an electric toothbrush, floss and have regular professional hygiene visits. If you have questions about Zoom whitening, whitening your teeth, or what foods you are or are not allowed to eat after whitening, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Zoom whitening, Zoom dentist, Zoom dentist San Francisco, whitening, teeth whitening, teeth whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening dentist San Francisco, staining foods, what foods stain your teeth, staining, teeth staining, okay foods to eat

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/29/2015

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us want to be looking our best, which can include whitening the teeth. There are many options when it comes to the treatment of whitening the teeth. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS goes over three ways to whiten the teeth in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

1. Whitening toothpaste/home care regimen. This option requires the patient to purchase whitening toothpaste and mouthwash and brush, floss, and rinse with these products two to three times per day for about 6 weeks. This is the most affordable option, but it takes a lot of time and dedication on the part of the patient in order to achieve a desired effect.

2. Custom whitening trays. This option is when the patient comes to the dental office to have impressions taken and custom-made whitening trays are fabricated. Then, when the patient comes back to check the fit of the trays, they will receive the whitening gel, which is between 8-32% carbomide peroxide gel.  The patient will then wear the trays with the gel for about 15-20 minutes per day for two to three weeks. This option is effective, and is more affordable than the Zoom whitening procedure, but it takes a long time to achieve the desired result and requires active dedication/participation from the patient.

3. Zoom whitening. The patient will make one appointment at which they will be sat in a dental chair and their gums will be covered with a protecting gel so that the gums are not damaged in the process. The patient will then undergo three to four fifteen-minute sessions of the Zoom! light with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth. This procedure requires only one office visit for about one and a half hours to achieve the desired whiteness. However, this is the most expensive option and can cause some sensitivity for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding whitening or whether or not you are a good candidate for Zoom whitening, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Whitening Dentist San Francisco, whitening, whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening, zoom whitening, whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, whiter teeth, Valentine’s day, brushing teeth, custom whitening trays, whitening gel, sensitivity, sensitivity after whitening, Zoom procedure, Zoom dentist San Francisco, home care, brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, gums, gum health, peroxide gel, whitening gel take home

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/22/2015

 

Many people come to the dental office of San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS asking about how they can whiten their teeth, or asking about why they get stains on their teeth. People get staining for a number of reasons, which may be due to lack of proper home care (brushing, flossing) and it can also be contributed by the foods or drinks a person consumes. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses 5 foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

 

1. Wine. Red wine with tannins and a dark color will stain teeth easily. White wine, even though it lacks the deep color, also has staining factors.

2. Tea. Tea (black tea, for example) has staining tannins just like wine. Black tea is the worst stain offender; while white and green teas are less likely to stain.

3. Coffee. Coffee is a notorious teeth staining aggressor. However, since it is high in chromogens but low in tannins, it is less likely to stain the teeth than black tea.

4. Soda. Both light and dark colored sodas are very acidic, and can promote staining by other foods and beverages by “prepping” the enamel of the tooth and making it more porous.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce has a deep red color just like red wine, and can easily stain the teeth.

 

To minimize staining, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS suggests swishing with water after eating/drinking staining foods, using a straw to attempt to avoid long exposure on tooth surfaces, and swallowing promptly. If you have stained teeth and would like to whiten them, it is suggested that you have a regular cleaning done first and then Zoom whitening or take-home whitening trays are both options. Keep a look out for next week’s article when we discuss 3 options for teeth whitening. Visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco, whitening, white teeth, staining, teeth staining, yellow teeth, staining foods, foods that stain teeth, red wine, wine, wine staining, will wine stain my teeth, tea, tea staining, coffee, soda, tomato sauce, foods, eating, dental cleaning, zoom whitening

Porcelain Veneers for Teeth: Understanding the Steps

Porcelain Veneers for Teeth: Understanding the Steps

By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/01/2014

Porcelain veneers are cosmetically available to fix dental issues such as discolored teeth, teeth that are worn down, chipped or broken teeth, and irregularly shaped teeth. When a person is deciding to get porcelain veneers for teeth, it is very important that they understand the steps involved so that they can make the best decision possible for their oral health. In this article, we discuss the steps of traditional porcelain veneers and any concerns that a person should be aware of.

Step One: Treatment Planning

The first step in any dental procedure, whether it’s restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, is treatment planning. It is important for the patient to explain to the dentist what their cosmetic goals are to see if porcelain veneers are a right fit and the best possible option. The dentist will examine the teeth and the overall oral health and decide if dental veneers are an appropriate treatment option both to reach your personal goals as well as maintaining optimal health in the mouth. The patient and the dentist will then discuss the pros and cons of dental veneers, and then the dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These impressions can be sent to a dental laboratory before the veneers have been prepped and the lab will manufacture what is called a wax-up. This wax-up is a model of the teeth with wax veneers, to show the patient what their teeth will look like with the porcelain veneers. Once the patient has decided that veneers are the right option, the patient will decide if he or she is happy with the color of their teeth as whitening options such asZoom whitening will need to be completed before the next step in the dental veneers process begins.

Step Two: Preparation of the Teeth

To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the dentist will need to take off some of the tooth enamel. Most of the time this removal is up to about .5 millimeters of tooth enamel, which will equal the thickness of the veneer to be placed. This is done so that the veneers look natural rather than too bulky. The removal of enamel may require the application of a topical or local anesthetic. Next, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make models for the dental laboratory to use in order to create the custom veneers. Temporaries will be placed on the teeth if necessary for the 2-3 weeks during which the laboratory is fabricating the dental veneers. If the removal of dental enamel is an issue or concern, the other option is to go with the Lumineers, which are very thin veneers and require little removal of enamel.

Step Three: Cementing

When the patient comes in for their dental veneer cementing appointment, the dentist will first try the veneers onto the teeth to make sure that the veneersfit as well as analyze that the color matches well with the natural tooth. Then, the teeth will be cleaned, polished and etched, which roughens the surface of the tooth to make the bonding process more successful and strong. A cement substance is applied to the veneers and then they are applied to the teeth one at a time. Once they are properly positioned onto the surface of the teeth, the dentist will apply a blue light which activates the cement and causes it to harden and adhere the veneers permanently to the tooth. Once the veneers are bonded, the dentist will take time to remove any excess cement material as well as adjust the dental veneers so that the bite feels natural. The dentist may have the patient come back into the office after a few weeks to check on the bite as well as see how the gum tissue is reacting to the veneers being placed.

Dental veneers are a great cosmetic option for a wide range of dental issues. If you are interested or have questions about porcelain dental veneers or the process, visit Dr. Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Porcelain veneers, veneers for teeth, porcelain veneers for teeth, dental veneers, dental veneers for teeth, lumineers, whitening, teeth whitening,zoom whitening, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, chipped teeth, broken teeth, discolored teeth, bonding, dental problems, oral health, dental lumineers, tetracycline teeth

The Difference between Zoom! Whitening and Take-Home Tray Whitening

The Difference between Zoom! Whitening and Take-Home Tray Whitening

By Mina Levi, DDS 02/20/2014

Teeth whitening is a popular choice for those who wish to enhance their smile cosmetically. The teeth whitening procedure has been around for thirty to forty years, and does not damage the structure of the tooth in any way. Today, there are two main teeth whitening options at the dental office of Dr. Mina Levi, DDS. The first is traditional tray whitening, and the other is the new Zoom! LED light in-office whitening. In this article, we discuss the procedures in detail with pros and cons of both.

Take-Home Tray Whitening

Procedure:

1. First, the patient makes an appointment to come into the office and have impressions taken of their

 teeth. Custom-made whitening trays will be fabricated in the office from these impressions.

2. A few days later, the patient will come back to the office to pick up their trays and receive the whitening gel, which is between 8-32% carbomide peroxide gel.

3. Dr. Mina Levi will give the patient instructions on how to load the whitening gel into the trays, and advise that they wear the trays for about fifteen minutes per day for two weeks.

Pros:

· Produces the same desired outcome of the Zoom! procedure if the patient has been consistently following directions for the entire two weeks.

· Patients can do a touch-up of whitening at any time because they will always have the trays available to them, all they have to do is pick up more whitening gel.

Cons:

· The tray whitening procedure takes a long time to achieve the desired effect. Many patients are excited and keep up with the whitening for a few days and then are not consistent.

· The tray whitening procedure is also inconvenient for patients since it needs to be done every day, which is the main reason that patients do not stick with it throughout the entire process.

· Dark-colored foods like pasta sauce and red wine must be avoided the entire time whitening is taking place, for about two to three weeks.

 

Zoom! Whitening

Procedure:

1. The patient will make one appointment at which they will be sat in a dental chair and their gums will be covered with a protecting gel, so that their gums aren’t damaged in the process.

2. The patient will then undergo three fifteen-minute sessions of the Zoom! light with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth.

 

Pros:

· The Zoom! procedure is instant and requires one single office visit. This is convenient for patients who want instant results, especially if there is a deadline or event that is taken into consideration.

·  The Zoom! procedure is proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades in the forty-five minutes the patient will be at the office.

Cons:

· The Zoom! procedure is a bit more expensive than the tray whitening option.

· Can cause “zingers” in the teeth which are tiny zaps that the patient may feel. They last no longer than a second or two and can be felt for twelve to twenty-four hours after the procedure. The “zingers” depend on the patients’ sensitivity.

If you have an interest in whitening your teeth and have any questions or concerns regarding either the Zoom! procedure or the tray whitening procedure, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. If you aren’t sure if teeth whitening is for you, the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS also offers “Lumismile” which shows you what your teeth can look like if they are whitened.

Topics: teeth whitening, tray whitening, zoom whitening, dental office visit, cosmetic dentistry, does teeth whitening damage my teeth?

Lumineers

Lumineers

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/06/2014 

A common worry that patients have when considering getting porcelain veneers put on as a cosmetic choice is the amount of healthy tooth structure that has to be removed in order to do so.  Traditional porcelain veneers are thick, so a good amount of tooth structure must be shaved down in order to ensure that the veneers look natural and do not turn out too bulky and stick out. This is a credible concern and causes many patients to turn away from having their dream smile. However, Den Mat’s Lumineers are thin like a contact lens, and allow for a minimally invasive veneer experience. In this article, we talk about what Lumineers are and how patients can benefit from this option.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that can be seamlessly applied over your teeth for a flawless, natural looking smile. They are minimally invasive and do not require shots, temporaries, or the loss of much healthy tooth structure.

How long will Lumineers last?

Clinical testing has proven that Lumineers can look great and last durably for over twenty years.

With Lumineers, can I still chew gum and eat my favorite sticky foods?

Lumineers are applied in the most durable way possible, so you may eat and drink whatever you want. However, Lumineers don’t replace good hygiene, so you should continue to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning to keep your Lumineers looking their best.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Lumineers or any other cosmetic dentistry options, visit Lumineers Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Lumineers, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic options, Lumineers dentist San Francisco

New Years Resolutions for Your Mouth

New Year's Resolutions for Your Mouth

By Mina Levi, DDS 01/02/2014

As we kick off this New Year of 2014, many people will have New Year’s Resolutions involving their health such as “lose 10 pounds” or “eat healthier”. What some people will not think about though is to have New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and oral health. Your smile goals as well as taking better care of your mouth and teeth are incredibly important, especially since your oral health is linked to your overall health. Below, we discuss five New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and how you can accomplish them.

1. Whiter Smile. There are many ways to achieving a whiter smile this year. There is an at-home option where Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Leviwill make customized whitening trays and provide you with concentrated whitening gel. There is also the very popular Zoom whitening in-office procedure. This procedure takes about an hour in the dental office and can achieve up to eight shades whiter in just one sitting! There are also many foods that can help you whiten your teeth, see the article “How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays” for more details.

2. Straighten Teeth. Some people are embarrassed by or unhappy with teeth that are crooked or out of alignment. Invisalign clear alignment is an option for straightening teeth that is nearly invisible, comfortable and easily removable for eating and keeping up with oral hygiene.

3. Reduce Cavities. The first step toward this goal is to visit the dentist to see if you have any cavities or areas of concern. If the areas of concern are early stage cavities, then Icon: No Drilling resin infiltration may be right for you. Icon treats areas that are in an early stage to stop the cavity from progressing without drilling. If the area is a later stage cavity, however, a filling or crown may be necessary. Either way, it is essential that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that any unhealthy tooth structure can be removed or healed.

4. Follow a Stricter Oral Hygiene Regimen. Many people are pretty lax about their daily oral hygiene routine. Some brush well but do not floss while others only brush their teeth once per day. This at-home routine is essential to optimal oral health. It is recommended that the teeth are brushed at least twice daily and flossed at least once per day. Also, it is very important to see the dentist at least twice a year to have a check up and get a professional cleaning done. These professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that is not able to be removed at home, and if avoided this plaque will begin to eat away at healthy tooth structure.

5. Heal Periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that has progressed from gingivitis from plaque build-up. The best ways to heal periodontitis and achieve optimal gum health is to have professional cleanings done more often than usual and keep a very strict oral hygiene regimen. There is also another option for advanced periodontitis cases called Perio Protect, which delivers medication directly to the gums using custom-made trays.

For more information regarding your own smile or oral health goals for 2014, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals and wish you a Happy New Year!

Topics: New Year’s Resolutions, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening, Zoom Whitening, Cavities, Oral Hygiene,Icon, Perio Protect, Periodontitis, Gingivitis,Straighten Teeth, Invisalign, Dentist San Francisco 

How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays

How to Keep Your Teeth White Through the Holidays

By Mina Levi DDS, 12/24/2013

A concern of many is to keep their teeth pearly white, but not many people have the time to follow through with whitening treatments during the busy holiday season. This leaves people with questions like, what foods are going to stain my teeth? and are there foods that help keep stains away?  Below, we discuss tips on how to keep teeth at their whitest through the holidays.

What foods should I avoid?

There are many foods and drinks that are served during the holidays that can actually stain teeth and dull them. A few foods and drinks to avoid are:

1. Coffee. Coffee is a dark liquid that is very powerful, and can leave stained teeth after having only a few sips. If coffee is unavoidable, try to swish water or mouth rinse immediately after drinking it to best avoid staining.

2. Red Wine. Red wine, or any other colored fruit drink for that matter, is a staining agent as well. If you are worried about stains when you spill it on your shirt, you should be worried about what it is doing to your teeth. Try white wine as a replacement.

3. Cranberry Sauce. As a darker fruit product, cranberry sauce will stain like red wine does. Avoid cranberry sauce if you can.

4. Dark Chocolate. Chocolate is less powerful than coffee or red wine, but still has the capability of stainingteeth. Swish water in your mouth after eating dark chocolate treats, or try to substitute white chocolate instead.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce can stain your teeth due to the deep red color and also due to the acidity in the tomatoes. If you eat basic foods like lettuce beforehand, it may form a thin protective layer on teeth. Overall, though, try to avoid tomato sauce if possible.

Are there foods that help with whitening?

Just as there are foods that make teeth duller, there are foods that can help keep your teeth white while you eat them! A few foods and drinks to indulge in during the holidays are:

1. Vegetables High in Fiber. Veggies that have high fiber content like broccoli or spinach can clean your teeth while you eat. They also increase saliva production and lower acidity in the mouth.

2. Water. Water is good for you for unlimited numbers of reasons, and it is also good for keeping your teeth white, especially if it has added fluoride elements that fight oral bacteria.

3. Nuts.  Nuts are abrasive when you bite into them, which help clean plaque off of teeth. Nuts also increase saliva production much like fibrous veggies which lowers acidity and fights bacteria in the mouth.

4. Strawberries and Pineapple. Strawberries and pineapple act like astringents that reverse staining and have vitamin C. Strawberries are good to eat with dark chocolate to help keep stains caused by the chocolate at bay.

If you have any concerns about teeth whitening, or professional teeth whitening procedures, give the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com . Have a happy holiday season!

Topics: Holidays, Teeth Whitening, Stains, Staining Foods, Oral Bacteria, Saliva, Plaque, Dentist San Francisco