Are you concerned about the color of your teeth? In this article, you will learn about the common causes of discoloration. This occurs when the dentine or enamel becomes stained or discolored. The good news is, the oral problem is preventable. When the teeth are discolored, you will notice stains on the enamel, ranging from white streaks to brown spots.
A dental expert can diagnose discoloration after conducting an examination. You may not know the statistics about stained teeth, but you care about how white your teeth are. Nowadays, a shiny smile is a social status symbol. As a result, the demand for whitening dental procedures and whitening products has been on the rise. Here are the six most common causes of tooth discoloration:
Dark Foods and Drinks
Consuming some dark foods and drinks increases the possibility of discoloration. If you notice stains on your teeth, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits may be the causes. Although they’re rich in nutrients, the foods are likely to erode the enamel.
Coffee is also a common culprit for discoloration. When you drink coffee, use a to-go lid and not a straw. This will help you to prevent an acidic-environment situation that the drink causes.
Tobacco Use
This is one of the products that can stain your teeth within a short period. Your smile is usually the first thing people notice when you meet for the first time. As a result, nobody would want to have a stained smile. Regular smoking will make the teeth turn yellow or brown. The more you smoke, the more you increase the risk of teeth discoloration.
Medications and Diseases
Certain medical conditions and drugs can wear down or damage the enamel and increase the risk of staining. For example, diabetes, anemia, and oral cancer harm the health and appearance of the teeth. Studies have also shown that radiation and chemotherapy affect the color of the teeth. Some antibiotics have also been major causes of the oral problem.
Genetics
Some people are born with whiter teeth than others. Research has also shown that the shade may vary from one tooth to another. The natural tooth color depends on the structure and the density of the tissues that make them. Some people’s teeth are more prone to staining than others. This proves that some genetic factors affect the teeth color.
Trauma
This is one of the reasons for tooth discoloration that’s outside of your control. Some of the common causes of trauma include car accidents and falls. If the accidents occur, your teeth may turn dark due to the damage inside the teeth. Contact a dental professional to examine and monitor the trauma. Although you cannot avoid some accidents, you can take some precautionary measures such as wearing protective gear.
Exposure to Too Much Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that prevents cavities through mineralization and increasing the resistance of the enamel to acidic conditions. It is added to drinking water and a major ingredient in oral products. It’s recognized as one of the most effective products for promoting oral health. However, too much of it can discolor your smile.
Mountain View Dental Can Help
We have a team of experienced dental professionals who are always ready to serve our clients. You just need to visit our comfortable and professional office to get the help you need. After an examination, our dentists will recommend the best solution for discoloration. Contact us today!
