Tooth Discoloration: Causes, Type & Prevention

As much as we want to maintain the whiteness of our teeth, they will still be stained and discolored for various reasons. This concern is familiar and typical for some, but it makes people who deeply care for their teeth self-conscious. Worse is, not knowing those factors may affect not just your teeth alone but your whole being. You may lose your confidence in the process. So, to prevent that from happening, keep reading to know more about the causes of tooth discoloration.

 

6 Causes of Tooth Discoloration

There are many factors that can cause tooth discoloration. Some are temporary and some are permanent. Here are six of the most common causes of tooth discoloration:

• Poor Dental Hygiene 

It is necessary to brush and floss your teeth every day. Failure to keep up with your routine will lead to tooth discoloration because you are letting the bacteria in your mouth stay and build up. 

• Sugary Foods and Drinks 

Foods and beverages that are high in sugar are bad for your teeth. The lightness and darkness of drinks - tea, sodas, sports drinks, wines, and coffee do not primarily vary. Repeated drinking causes stains, same with eating apples, blueberries, tomatoes, potatoes, cherries, etc. 

• Use of Tobacco 

The nicotine and tar in tobacco get in the tiny pores in your tooth enamel. As a result, it makes your teeth yellow or brownish in color. Excessive smoking ruins the whiteness of your teeth and may also cause gum diseases and other oral health issues.

• Aging 

It is pretty normal to age. Part of it is the thinning of our tooth enamel. As it gets thinner and thinner, the dentin of your teeth, which is yellow in color, becomes visible. It is natural and inevitable at the same time. 

• Illness / Medications 

Gum diseases and other health issues like but are not limited to eating disorders, calcium deficiency, celiac disease, and rickets affects the color of your teeth. Moreover, certain medications also cause tooth discoloration, such as antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, chemotherapy, and neck radiation. 

• Genetics 

Not everyone is born to have bright teeth. Not everyone is fortunate to have thick enamel. It means that the color of your teeth also depends on your genes.

 

Ways to Prevent Stains on Teeth

No one wants stained teeth, but it can happen over time, especially if you don't take care of them properly.

Here are some tips on preventing stains on your teeth and keeping them looking their best. 

 

 

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. 
• Make sure to drink plenty of water.
• Avoid/ lessen the intake of sugar-based foods and drinks. 
• Do not keep on sipping your drinks. 
• Visit a professional dentist regularly.

 

You may like to check out How Soda Affects Your Teeth.

 

3 Types of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is a common issue, and there are three types of tooth discoloration.  Here's what you need to know.

 

Intrinsic Stains This type of discoloration is hard to remove since it appears on the deeper part of your teeth. It occurs due to various reasons. One possible cause is gum disease or oral health issues. Some injuries caused by accidents are also a factor. Medications you took or experienced are a reason too. Aside from this is the over-exposure to fluoride. Once the dentin of your teeth (middle layer) becomes seeable, its natural color - yellow, may become darker.

 

Extrinsic Stains This type of discoloration is more manageable to remove because this occurs due to the foods and drinks we consume. Examples of these edibles are black tea, soda, wine, coffee, berries, apples, and cherries. The discoloration may sometimes appear in most teeth, but external only. If you only have this type, you are lucky. 

 

Age-related Stains This discoloration occurs by both natural and habitual factors. It is natural because our tooth enamel becomes more insubstantial as we age. Once the middle layer is shown, teeth appear to be yellow. And it is also caused by habit, because consuming sugar-based food and drinks discolors the teeth over time.

 

Check out How To Care For Your Teeth After A Whitening Treatment

At-Home- Teeth Whitening Treatment

For extrinsic stains, you can extract them by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Proper hygiene is always effective once paired with consistency.

If you are looking for an effective way to whiten your teeth, then you may want to try the MySmile Teeth Whitening Bundle.

This product can help to remove intrinsic stains from your teeth in just ten minutes, and it is also vegan-friendly and best for those with sensitive teeth. It is safe and convenient to use, and you can find satisfied customers on the website. 

Final Thoughts 

It is evident that tooth discoloration can be a hindrance to confidence. However, with carefulness and due diligence, it is possible to maintain beautiful white teeth without any worries. Be sure to learn about the different methods available before taking action; this will ensure safety and efficacy. Have you ever experienced tooth discoloration? How did you resolve the issue? Leave your comment below!

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