Top 8 Causes Of Teeth Discoloration

What causes teeth discoloration?

1. Foods and Drinks. Being cautious when it comes to dieting is important for many reasons, and choosing the right foods and drinks will impact the coloring of your teeth. Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables are notorious for causing teeth stains.

2. Tobacco. Tobacco use and smoking is not only detrimental to your health, but it can also cause discolorations and yellowing to your teeth.

3. Hygiene. Failure to keep up with good dental hygiene such as flossing daily, and brushing your teeth twice a day.

4. Natural Aging. Yellowing can be caused as a natural part of the aging process. This happens as the strong, white protective coating on teeth, known as enamel, fades over time because of everyday wear and tear on your teeth.

5. Genetics. You could have simply inherited enamel that is more yellow than that of other people whose genes differ.

6. Disease. Unfortunately, certain diseases can affect enamel and dentin. Treatments for certain conditions such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can impact ones teeth. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.

7. Medications. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before age 8). Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.

8. Excessive fluoride. Excessive amounts of fluoride can be found in your natural water supply depending on where you live. Overdoing it on fluoride products such as fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth is also not good for the coloring of your teeth.

What Can You Do?

By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent teeth discoloration. If you are a coffee drinker and/or smoker, consider cutting back or quitting altogether. Take good care of your oral hygiene and make habits of bushing, flossing, using mouthwash daily, and getting your teeth cleaned by your dentist every 6 months.

We would be more than happy to help you get your perfect white smile back. Make an appointment at your local Smilist in Rockville Centre to get started today!