Learn What Could Be Causing Your Tooth Discoloration

A good smile is essential to make the perfect first impression. It gives us the confidence to speak freely in public. However, stained and cracked teeth may sometimes make us self-conscious and uncomfortable while talking to people. Luckily, technology has now made it possible to get both in-office and at-home teeth whitening to enhance your smile. If you are living with stained teeth, book an appointment today with a  Newport Beach teeth whitening specialist to restore confidence in your smile.

Teeth discolorations could occur in three forms:

•       Extrinsic: It is the most common and occurs when teeth get in contact with something on the outside, making them turn dark or another color.
•       Intrinsic: Occurs as a result of something inside the body or the tooth itself.
•       Age-related: Begins to occur later in life as a result of aging.

Below are the leading causes of teeth discoloration:

Diseases

There are specific diseases that hinder the enamel from developing normally, leading to discoloration. Enamel is the outermost white part of the tooth, while dentin is the second core just under your enamel. When medications such as chemotherapy and radiation prevent their normal growth, you begin seeing color on your teeth. Additionally, some conditions may hinder the normal development of the baby’s enamel, causing discoloration after birth.

Medications

Some drugs will cause discoloration in children, especially those under eight years old. They include antihistamines, antihypertensive, and antipsychotic drugs. Certain mouth rinses and antibiotics may also cause tooth discoloration.

Aging

As we age, our enamel gets worn out with use and exposure to other factors. This exposes the second coat of teeth under the enamel, known as the dentin, which is yellow. Decreased translucency makes teeth appear darker than they previously were.

Fluoride

Our teeth may be exposed to excess fluoride in their formation from exposure to various environmental factors. This may be due to high fluoride levels in water or excess use of toothpaste. It makes your teeth have white spots and discolor.

Trauma

An impact on the tooth at a young age could affect the development of a child’s enamel. Trauma could also cause nerves to die or damage blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the tooth. In turn, this causes discoloration.

Poor oral hygiene

Failing to brush and floss as recommended causes an accumulation of plaque and food stains that could discolor the tooth. It is also recommended that patients attend professional dental cleaning at least once a year to remove plaque and check on their health.

Lifestyle habits

Drinking too much coffee, wine, and tea creates a condition that gradually stains our teeth. You can also get tooth discoloration from eating starchy foods excessively. Additionally, one of the other main causes of tooth staining is chewing or smoking tobacco.

After a consultation, the doctor may recommend either in-office or at-home teeth whitening. Both are safe and effective, but it will depend on your condition. The dentist will also provide you with prescriptions to strengthen your teeth and prevent sensitivity. Book an appointment today with Enamel. General & Cosmetic Dentistry to regain a confident smile.