What are the Causes and Treatment of Teeth Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration (or spots) is quite common and can make you feel less beautiful and confident. However, it can be prevented and even removed. Treatment can be through making lifestyle changes or by seeing the dentist. The dentist in gloucester can definitely help with this issue, and even provide sound advice on how to keep your teeth white and healthy.

Whether you currently have discolored teeth or are looking for the causes to prevent it, this article provides adequate information to put you on the right track.

Causes of teeth discoloration

Many things can cause discoloration. Here are the common ones.

  • Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco cause staining. As such stains accumulate over time, they become more challenging to remove.

  • Plaque accumulation

Plaque develops daily from mouth saliva but can be controlled by regular washing and flossing. However, if your teeth hygiene is poor, the plaque hardens into tartar, becoming harder to remove.

Tartar also develops from prolonged sickness, diabetes, smoking, and certain medications over time. 

  • Decaying tooth

When you eat sugary foods, bacteria act on the sugar left on the teeth, producing acids that weaken the enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth. As the enamel gets broken down gradually, the yellowish interior of the tooth becomes visible, and holes may even develop. At this point, we say there is tooth decay.

  • Dental Fillings

If you’ve done dental fillings in the past and developed discoloration later, the fillings have probably transferred their color to the teeth as they wear down over time.

  • Stains from food and drinks

Chromogens from dark-colored food and drinks can stain the teeth. Artificial colorants can also wreak the same havoc. However, proper teeth washing twice a day can help remove such stains, preventing them from becoming permanent.

  • Age

Age is a natural factor that contributes to teeth discoloration. As you age, the teeth’s outer layer degrades, and the yellowish inner part becomes visible.

  • Excessive use of fluoride

Excessive use of fluoride can cause staining. This occurs mainly in little children below eight. Discoloration caused by fluoride is called fluorosis. Although it is harmless, it takes away from the beauty of your smile.

  • Diseases

Some diseases like celiac and enamel hypoplasia can cause spotting and discoloration on the enamel.

What you can do?

If your teeth have gotten discolored and brushing or flossing doesn’t seem to be helping significantly, it’s best to see a dentist for teeth whitening. For instance, the experts in teeth whitening at Sunset Dental Studio suggest restoring your dental glow so you can smile with confidence once more.

It’s also best to observe proper tooth care daily, such as brushing in circles morning and night. Additionally, limit your sugar intake, and ensure you drink water (to rinse the mouth) after eating.

Some other treatments that can help include the following:

  • Whitening mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide
  • Tray whitening with carbamide peroxide gel
  • Whitening toothpaste with sodium hypochlorite 

If you know that the discoloration is caused by tartar or diseases, it’s best to see a dentist as home remedies may prove abortive.

Knowing the causes of teeth discoloration, as discussed above, you can prevent the condition by avoiding those within your control.

 

Wrapping up

When people talk about beauty features, teeth get hardly ever mentioned. But they’re arguably the first thing people notice when you smile. So do your best to have shining white teeth so you can smile without caution.