Everyone desires those pearly white teeth that enhance your looks every time you smile. That is why there are so many teeth whitening products in the market promising people a whiter and brighter smile. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to brush twice every day, you might still find that your teeth are discoloring. If you are wondering what is causing this, here are a few reasons for tooth discoloration.
Medication
There are certain medications that can lead to discolorations. Such medications include antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain drugs used by high blood pressure patients. If one is exposed to doxycycline and an antibiotic like tetracycline while in the uterus or before they get to eight years, they may get discolored teeth. Some medical treatments like neck and head radiation or chemotherapy also have similar effects. Also, some oral rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride can lead to teeth staining.
Certain Types of Food and Beverages
While you enjoy wine, tea, coffee, soda, and other juices, these foods can affect your teeth whiteness because they have a high acid content. Even some foods which are good for you, like cherries, blueberries, beets, apples, citrus fruits, potatoes, cranberries, tomatoes, and raspberries, can discolor your teeth. Generally, any substance that can stain your shirt can also stain your teeth. To prevent this, enjoy such treats in moderation and ensure you practice good oral hygiene.
Poor Dental Practices
One of the many effects of poor oral hygiene is teeth discoloration. If you do not brush and floss every day, your teeth will get affected. When you fail to brush or floss daily, food particles and bacteria get stuck in your mouth and cling to your teeth, leading to staining. Combine this and other factors leading to discoloration, and you create a suitable environment for teeth staining. As seen in smiles by Dixon, you want to ensure that you do not contribute to your teeth staining by practicing good hygiene. Good oral hygiene practices are simple, yet they go a long way in enhancing your smile.
Environment
When one’s teeth are exposed to excess fluoride from water, especially during childhood, they can develop fluorosis. Also, fluoride can be found in certain rinses and toothpaste, and if it is in excess, the teeth might start staining. Supplements containing fluoride can also lead to discoloration.
Tobacco Use
Whether you chew or smoke tobacco products, your teeth are likely to discolor. Most people who have been consuming tobacco for a long time get a dark discoloration after several years. To avoid this problem, most people switch to e-cigarettes as this can also satisfy their nicotine cravings. However, studies suggest that while this method prevents teeth staining, it leads to other oral problems such as a dry mouth and gum inflammation. Both these conditions can cause tooth decay.
Aging
Aging is a natural process that no one can prevent. Unfortunately, as you age, your tooth enamel goes through slow wear and tear. This causes the next tooth layer, known as the dentin, to show. Dentin is yellow in color and this explains why most older adults have yellow teeth.
Trauma
If you fell or were in an accident where your teeth were affected, the pulp can become damaged, which gives the tooth a gray or black appearance. Serious tooth decay can also make the teeth look gray or black. It is vital that you seek dental help in such cases.
Genetics
Unfortunately, teeth discoloration can also be genetic-related. In the same way, some people have brighter enamel, you will find others with naturally discolored teeth.
Some of these causes are avoidable, and some are not. Fortunately, a dentist can give you a whiter smile. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area, and they will analyze your case and help come up with a solution.
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