Why Do Teeth Suffer from Discolorations?
There is a huge number of people struggling with yellowish and stained teeth, even though they perform a strict daily dental hygiene. They brush and floss the teeth twice a day, and they also visit the dentist regularly. So what is the reason for these teeth discolorations?
There is a huge number of people struggling with yellowish and stained teeth, even though they perform a strict daily dental hygiene.
They brush and floss the teeth twice a day, and they also visit the dentist regularly. So what is the reason for these teeth discolorations?
There is the so called extrinsic discoloration process, when the outer layer of the teeth gets stained.
This type of discoloration happens mostly because of the consumption of caffeinated beverages, cola, wine and of course smoking.
Generally, dentists agree that if people would swish their mouths with pure water after the consumptions of such foods or beverages, the bacteria do not have the chance to stick onto the surface of the tooth and cause these discolorations.
Then, there is intrinsic discoloration, when the dentin (the interior structure of the tooth) will get a yellowish or dark tint. Some of the reasons for this type of discoloration include:
- the use of tetracycline based antibiotics before you were 8 years old
- excessive exposure to fluoride when you were a child
- internal bleeding due to trauma to a permanent tooth. That bleeding most probably had an important role in the discoloration of your teeth.
- discoloration due to a health condition known as “dentinogenesis imperfecta”. Quite often, this rare disease is the main cause for purple or gray discolorations of the natural teeth.
Next, teeth can get discolorations because of natural, age related causes.
With the passing of time, the dentin gets a yellowish hue and the enamel gets thinner and thinner. In order to keep the teeth healthy, strong and avoid staining, here are a few simple rules that should be respected:
- visit your dentist for regular professional teeth cleaning
- rinse your mouth with plain water many times throughout the day, especially after consuming foods or beverages that might stain the teeth
- use home teeth whitening treatments that contain bleaching gel and a special mouth guard
- from time to time, use toothpastes that contain whitening agents
- consider cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers if the problem cannot be remedied through the traditional treatments.
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