Discolored teeth affect your personality the most. It is your smile that helps you to win hearts, attract the attention of other people and socialize with the world around you. Thus, you tend to take good care of your smile and work to make it better each day! But here’s something to be noted. Regular brushing and flossing do not prevent tooth discoloration alone. You need to keep a check on the foods that you consume too!
Discoloration is primarily of 4 types:
1.Extrinsic discoloration — This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth enamel is discolored.
2.Intrinsic discoloration — When the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint intrinsic discoloration takes place.
3. Age-related discoloration — Such discoloration is both a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. This also adds to the yellowish tint of the teeth.
4. Other causes - Accidents that may lead to a chipped tooth or minor injuries, can also cause discoloration, especially if the pulp has been damaged.
Foods and beverages are responsible for extrinsic discoloration. Tea, coffee, beetroot, berries etc. Are highly responsible for teeth staining. As a thumb rule, it is often remarked by dental experts that “eatables that stain your white shirt and are stubborn enough not to get washed off, are actually the ones that stain your teeth badly”! Therefore the list includes many other items that we consume almost regularly like:
Things to do in order to avoid Teeth Staining and Discoloration
Well, it is quite impossible to avoid every tooth-staining food in order to maintain a whiter teeth. Instead, there are a few other habits that need to pay your attention upon, in order to avoid staining your teeth, such as:
What to do when your teeth go discolored?
Teeth discoloration is resolved either by using the over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products (toothpastes, whitening strips etc.) that are easily available or by resorting to the dentist for professional whitening services. The primary differences between these two techniques are:
Occasionally, one might use a pinch of baking soda while brushing, but not everyday too much use of baking soda is abrasive and might corrode your teeth enamel!
Other factors causing Discoloration!
Unfortunately, there are some discoloration that cannot be easily wiped off, not even with the latest teeth whitening techniques! These are the ‘intrinsic’ discolorations. Intrinsically damaged teeth appear grayish. It could primarily result from factors like:
Finally, calcium deficiency is another cause of teeth discoloration. On the other hand, large doses of fluoride lead to white spots on teeth, a condition that is known as fluorosis. It particularly affects children under 6. Hence, a discolored tooth is not a minor issue as it sounds to be. In fact, if the cause (whether internal or external) persists, the problem grows further and goes on to hamper your lifestyle too! Your dentist in Salt Lake City would advise you to put a stern check on the responsible factors behind teeth staining to deal with the menace of discoloration.
If you live in Salt Lake City, Utah and are looking premium dental services by an expert, then call us today @ (385) 257-9303.