Teeth crisis! Ugh?

Question

I had some stomach issues, and I was vomitting a lot... And it took a toll on my teeth by wearing the enamel off. Crazy- but thats the only thing I can think of. Now my teeth are definitely not as white as they used to be. Horrible.

I want to get them bleached... but I have braces on for another year :(. Any suggestions? I want something I can use to get them WHITE... QUICK

Oh psst. Just fyi... I Was dealing with this stomach issue for 7 months... So I was vomitting a lot... within the past 7 months... Thats what wore my teeth out ;)

Answer 1

Marie has some excellent points with her response. If the stomach issues were due to treatment such as chemo or an illness such as bulimia, the treatment or disease may have taken it's toll on your teeth. If the stomach acid has been on your teeth too much, too long and too many times, it can and usually does destroy the enamel.

Since you are in Orthodontics, you could discuss this with the ortho assistant at your next appointment. Or if you would feel more comfortable, you can ask to talk with your orthodontist. Ask him what he recommends to brighten your teeth without doing more damage.

While in Orthodontics you should never attempt to bleach, use whitening strips or any solutions on your teeth; when the braces come off you will regret it and bleaching can damage the teeth even more, especially since you have lost enamel on them. You would possibly ruin your braces too. If you have lost too much enamel, you may have to discuss other options with your dentist, about restoring the teeth after the ortho comes off.

For now, just try flossing, brushing with a soft toothbrush and some mouth wash at least twice a day and you will get your teeth cleaner and cleaner is whiter. If your teeth are sensitive, try using Sensodyne toothpaste for a few weeks to see if it will help. Sometimes the damage isn't as bad as you think it is and this can be stopped if your condition has improved. Good luck with your ortho and your teeth.

Answer 2

Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 20 years and it takes years of vomiting to discolor to wear off enamel. This can not be done in a few weeks or month. Because you have braces you can not get them bleached. The bracket would leave a spot so that is not an option. Also the metal in your mouth would react to the acid and it would destroy the elastics. So you will have to wait. In the mean time, use a mouth whitening tooth paste and let it sit on your teeth for 5 minutes. Make sure it also has fluoride. This will help the teeth from the acid from you guts. AND IF YOU have eroded the enamel, no dentist will bleach your teeth and add to the problem. M

Answer 3

As someone else mentioned, you couldnt possibly wear down your enamel and damage your teeth over something like a stomach virus, it would have to be from bulimia. So unless you're really bulimic, you may have just stained your teeth from something like coffee or soda over time. Dark foods and drinks can stain your teeth without realzing it, and your enamel would not be damaged unless your dentist said your enamel was damaged. For now drink coffees and sodas through a straw until you get your braces off and can bleach your teeth.

Answer 4

You cant bleach properly until the braces are off, sorry sweetie. The whiting solution will not disperse like it should. Hang in there. I do understand. Talk to your dentist about this he may make some suggestions for you. Good luck.

Answer 5

Hello,
before you think of tooth whitening consider getting off the brackets. Otherwise, every tooth that had a bracket will have a stained square from where the bracket was placed.

Answer 6

Go to the dentist and he will figure the solution out