8 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TEETH DISCOLORATION

If your smile isn't as bright as it used to be, you may worry about the cause. There are many culprits for tooth discoloration, including diet and lifestyle. Fortunately, modern tooth whitening technologies can brighten most tooth stains and give you a whiter smile. Explore some tooth discoloration causes below.

1. Food and Beverages

The foods you love can gradually discolor your teeth. Black teas and coffee are the biggest causes of tooth discoloration due to compounds called tannins. (If you look forward to your cup of green tea, look for high-quality options, as low-quality green teas may have more tannins.) Moreover, these drinks wear out the enamel and expose the inner teeth coverings to more damage.

The acidic nature of red and white wine also breaks down the enamel and makes it easier for stains to cling to your teeth. Other foods that cause teeth discoloration are:

• Tomato sauce
• Carbonated drinks
• Deep-colored curries
• Berries
• Soy sauce

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

Plaque buildup hardens into tartar, which appears yellow and leads to tooth decay, further discoloring your smile. In addition to frequent brushing and flossing, visit a dentist for professional cleaning. The dentist removes bacterial buildup before it leads to other issues like gum disease and cavities.

3. Tobacco Use

Tobacco users often report bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease. Tobacco products have nicotine and tar, which leave a yellowish stain on teeth. Over time, the teeth can take on a brown appearance. 

Even if you brush every day, you may find tobacco stains hard to remove. Nicotine stains settle deep into the enamel and penetrate to the dentin layer, the inner layer of a tooth underneath the enamel. Hence, even home whitening remedies do little to correct these stains. 

If you've gained these kinds of stains, you may need professional teeth whitening for stronger stain removal. Your dentist can customize at-home teeth whitening solutions to combat tooth discoloration from tobacco use.

4. Aging

As you age, your enamel wears out and exposes the dentin below, which is a yellowish color. Microscopic holes in the enamel will expand over time and let in staining molecules. Your teeth also become more susceptible to decay and other serious dental issues.

Dental visits are the best way to delay age-related dental issues. If you have severe stains, your dentist will offer an effective bleaching process to brighten your smile.

5. Certain Illnesses

Some medical conditions affect the enamel and cause color changes in your teeth. For instance, celiac disease causes enamel defects and leaves brown or yellow spots on teeth. Indeed, tooth discoloration can be the first symptom of this auto-immune disease. Some medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can also cause tooth discoloration.

6. Certain Medications

The antibiotic tetracycline can stain children's teeth. Pregnant mothers should avoid it in the last half of pregnancy as it can impact the future color of babies' teeth.

Although antihistamines relieve itchiness, allergies, and hay fever, they can cause teeth discoloration. Additionally, some antihypertensive medications can discolor teeth and leave patients with a dry mouth.

7. Genes

While most causes of tooth staining aren't genetic, some disorders that impact the enamel are hereditary. These genetic disorders are dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta. Moreover, some individuals simply have naturally brighter enamel, while others have slightly yellowed enamel.

8. Trauma 

A fall or accident can damage tooth pulp and result in black or gray tooth discoloration. Moreover, internal bleeding in the tooth can lead to intrinsic discoloration and a change in tooth color. In this case, a dentist should attend to the injury immediately. A fall can also interfere with enamel formation in children with developing teeth.

A pearly white smile gives you the confidence to socialize and entertain friends and family. At Mianecki & Carlino, DDS PC, we customize teeth whitening treatments to restore your confidence. Contact us today for effective solutions to teeth stains.