Your tooth enamel is over 95 percent mineral—that makes it both stronger and more durable than bone!
With that said, it can still break. For example, it can erode, corrode, or wear away over time.
Not only that but it can get stained as well. It is completely normal to feel self-conscious about stained teeth, but it is not the end of the world! We recommend that you pay a visit to Piedmont Dentistry in harrisburg for professional teeth whitening so that you can confidently show off your pearly whites.
Are you experiencing that problem? Want to know what some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration are? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over some of the most common scenarios below. Keep reading to find out what is tooth discoloration!
1. Foods and Drinks
Foods and drinks are some of the most common causes of yellow teeth. For example, it can happen with coffee, wine, and juices. Even healthy options such as cherries, beets, apples, and tomatoes can have a staining effect.
Generally speaking, if it can stain your clothes, chances are, it can stain your teeth as well.
Given that, it’s best to brush your teeth after eating (ideally 30-60 minutes afterward). At the very least, rinse your mouth with water; that’ll prevent the staining pigments from lingering on your teeth. For example, if you’re drinking coffee, you can take a sip of water and swish it around in your mouth after every few sips.
And remember, there’s always the option of getting professional teeth whitening if you do have stains. We recommend doing a bit of research to find the top cosmetic dentist in your area.
2. Illnesses
Some medical conditions can affect the tooth enamel and dentin and that can lead to discolored teeth. For example, it can happen to those with liver disease, celiac disease, rickets, or calcium deficiency.
Treatments for certain illnesses can affect tooth color as well. Take chemotherapy, for instance, it can adversely affect the appearance of your teeth. Not only can it stain the enamel, but it can also cause pits and grooves to develop; this usually occurs in those who receive chemotherapy over a prolonged period of time.
3. Medications
Various medications can contribute to tooth discoloration including antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and antihistamines.
Certain antibiotics during childhood can also affect growing teeth; they can bind to the calcium ions in the teeth and that can give them a fluorescent yellow discoloration. For this reason, they’re not usually prescribed for children under the age of 12.
The same goes for mouth rinses that contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. They can have a staining side effect if used for more than two weeks (most dentists will only prescribe it for 1-2 weeks).
The Different Causes of Tooth Discoloration
And there you have it—three common causes of tooth discoloration. While prevention is the best medicine, it’s important to remember that there are ways to improve the appearance of yellow or brown teeth. When in doubt, talk to your dentist!
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