Learn More About Stained Teeth

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Here are the following possible reasons for tooth discolouration:

• Poor oral hygiene habits. Neglecting to brush your teeth regularly will most likely cause surface stains. Food debris begins to accumulate, which can look yellowish later on.
• Lifestyle habits. The chemicals contained in cigarettes and tobacco products can severely stain the teeth. Heavy smokers often experience brownish discolouration.
• Your diet. The dark-pigmented foods and drinks you often consume can affect the colour of your teeth. These can include tea, wine, red or tomato sauce, coffee, etc. Fortunately, stains that result from foods and beverages can be easily reduced with whitening treatments.
• Disease. Some health conditions may affect the enamel and dentin, leading to discolouration of teeth. Additionally, treatments for certain diseases may also cause adverse effects on the tooth shade.
• Medication. Some medications can have side effects that can cause discolouration. These are antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive drugs. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline may affect the formation of tooth enamel among children under the age of 8.
• Overexposure to fluoride. Fluoride is good for your teeth. However, too much exposure can lead to dental fluorosis. It happens when teeth have white streaks or lines or changes in appearance.
• Tooth injury. When teeth are injured, they can bleed internally. The blood may leak through the dental nerves and cause the tooth pulp to darken.
• Age factor. As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth starts to wear away. This exposes the yellow dentin beneath the enamel, resulting in the discolouring of the teeth.

One of the most obvious signs that you have stained teeth is the changes in the appearance of their shade. The discolouration may vary in colour; some may notice yellowish or brownish stains, while others seem to have darker stains. As a result, your smile may not appear as bright and white as it once did.

In some cases, teeth stains can be more than just discolouration or a cosmetic problem; they can also pose a risk to oral health. For instance, if the teeth appear less white because of poor dental hygiene, the plaque buildup may wear down the enamel. This can expose the underneath layers of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to temperature changes and external stimuli, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

Regular brushing may help to eliminate the stain-causing residue from your food. However, it may not be enough to reduce the discolouration of other types of stains. Instead, you need to consult your dentist for professional teeth whitening or other treatment options.

Keeping healthy habits is the key to preventing discoloured teeth. A few changes to your lifestyle can make all the difference. If you drink coffee, try to find other alternatives or cut back. Smoking cigarettes carries risks to discolouration and dental health, as well as your overall health. So, it may be beneficial to start seeking help to reduce such habits.

In addition, good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and bright. Brush them at least twice a day and floss them daily. Seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings is also important to remove plaque buildup that causes your smile to look yellow.