Saturday, May 11, 2013

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

By Lori Buenavista


There's nothing that can compare with a bright, white smile to light up your face. Along with the whitening products available, it's simple for your dentist to lighten your teeth. However, you may be able to skip the time and cost of the lightening process by knowing (and avoiding) some of the things that cause tooth discoloration.

Tobacco Use

Along with a myriad of health hazards, using cigarette stains your teeth. Nicotine infiltrates the grooves in your enamel and sticks there, staining them. Nicotine is present both in the smoke you inhale while smoking a cigarette and in chewing tobacco, which has even more prolonged exposure to the teeth.

Food and Drink

Several foods and drinks cause yellowing. Stay away from excessive intake of coffee, tea, wine and cola, which have the substances that discolor teeth. Some foods, just like apples, potatoes, berries and candy or sweets with strong food colorings may also cause staining.

Poor individual hygiene

Limited brushing and flossing may cause plaque buildup, which can be an unappealing dark yellow color. Plaque also draws in those chemicals that discolor teeth, such as tobacco, certain refreshments and foods.

Medication

While they often can't be prevented, certain medications can stain teeth by permeating tooth enamel and dentin (the underlying layer beneath enamel). In young children, some prescription antibiotics cause discoloration of baby teeth (ask your personal doctor if she can recommend an antibiotic that won't discolor your child's teeth). Other medicine, just like those for chemotherapy could cause tooth staining.

Fluoride

Huge amounts of fluoride (from tap water, fluoride solutions and toothpaste) could potentially cause teeth to be discolored.

Trauma

Injury may cause teeth to become stained. This is a distinct issue for children whose enamel is still forming, but could also affect adults.

Aging

Here's one particular reason for tooth discoloration no person can avoid: growing older. As we age, the outer surface of teeth enamel on our teeth wears away, unveiling the yellowish layer underneath.

Ways to Keep Teeth White

Remember to brush your teeth thoroughly each day. Floss using correct technique. Go to your dental practitioner for regular checkups every 6 months so that dental problems can be solved early. Your dental hygienist will provide you with a detailed cleanings to clear out plaque. Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. In the event you don't presently use tobacco products, don't start. Avoid a cup of coffee and other beverages and foods that stain teeth. If you do drink or eat teeth-staining foods, brush instantly afterwards. Wear dental guards while engaging in sports such as hockey, basketball, boxing, wrestling and any other task which may cause mouth injuries. Ask your dentist about the correct amount of fluoride needed to strengthen your teeth without discoloring them.




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