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Causes of Tooth DiscolorationWith the number of teeth whitening options available, it is clear that people are self-conscious about the color of their teeth. Though tooth discoloration is incredibly common, it can arise due to a number of reasons. To prevent teeth stains and discoloration, we must first understand the potential causes. Poor Oral HygieneFailing to regularly brush and floss your teeth is one of the major reasons why you may notice the appearance of teeth stains and discoloration. If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day, or fail to floss, then the bacteria and food particles get stuck in your mouth and latch on to the teeth and gums. This leads to the development of plaque and causes teeth stains. Tobacco UseRegular tobacco consumption can lead to tooth discoloration, whether you smoke it or chew it. Tobacco consumption puts your gums at risk, and it is closely linked to other oral issues. Certain Foods and DrinksThere are a number of different beverages, such as coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juices, that have high acidic contents and impact the whiteness of your teeth. A few fruits and vegetables may also lead to tooth stains like apples, cherries, beetroot, citrus fruits, potatoes, and berries. A rule of thumb is that any food which can stain your clothes is likely to stain your teeth as well. To avoid tooth discoloration, try to avoid consuming these food items in abundance and make sure to brush your teeth regularly. Medical Conditions and IllnessesThere are a few medical conditions that affect the tooth enamel and result in the color of your teeth changing. Medicinal conditions like calcium deficiency, metabolic diseases, liver disease, and eating disorders can all lead to tooth discoloration. GeneticsMaintaining a bright white smile has a lot more to do with genetics than you may think. While some people get lucky with pearly white teeth, others aren’t as lucky. Your genetic structure determines the brightness and thickness of your enamel, and it has a major impact on the color of your teeth. AgingAs you grow older and age, the outer layer of the tooth enamel begins to wear out and results in tooth discoloration. This is extremely common for people who are above the age of 40, and as they continue to grow older, the natural color of dentin begins to appear. To correct tooth stains caused by aging, you can opt for teeth whitening treatment to maintain their appearance. Now that you know the contributing factors of teeth discoloration, you can work with the dentist to come up with a care plan for you. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to rinse your mouth. Regular dental checkups will also help maintain the beauty and brightness of your smile. To find out more about the causes of tooth discoloration and ways on how to improve the brightness of your teeth, call (669) 306-7669 and schedule your dental checkup with Nancy Shiba, DDS. |
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Phone(669) 306-7669 HoursMon: 9AM–6PM Tue: by appointment Wed: 9AM–6PM Thur: 9AM–3PM Friday: 8AM–5PM Sat & Sun: Closed |