Teeth are such an important thing in a person. You can be dressed in the most expensive clothing and have the latest jewelry and haircut, but if your teeth are crooked or discolored, it will ruin a first impression. So what causes your pearly whites to become yellow, dull and unattractive? Can your teeth go back to their stunning old look?
Types of Teeth Staining
Not all stains have the same origin. There are three types of tooth stains—extrinsic, intrinsic and age-related. With the first category, there’s a big possibility that the staining is only on the surface of the tooth, i.e. the enamel. Most commonly, the enamel gets stained because of the food we eat, drinks we consume or things we smoke.
Next, we have intrinsic staining that comes from within the tooth. This type is more likely to be resistant to whitening pastes and gels. The effect of intrinsic staining is often not yellow, but grayish. This type of discoloration can happen due to medication, injury to the tooth, tooth decay and even genetics. And finally, as we age, the tooth enamel wears off, exposing the material underneath that’s naturally grayish or yellow.
1. Improper Dental Hygiene
The most common cause of teeth staining is improper dental hygiene. No matter how well you eat, how much water you drink and how much you avoid alcohol and tobacco, if you don’t brush and floss, your teeth will end up looking not so perfect. Luckily, if bad tooth hygiene is your only issue, then you can solve it by improving the frequency and method of brushing. If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, use floss regularly, and include a mouthwash, you will fight discoloration and prevent plaque—that hard material that forms on your teeth. Book a dentist appointment and have your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months. While you’re at your dentist’s, make sure to ask for toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations.
2. Bad Brushing Habits
If you brush every day, but not with enthusiasm, the chances are you’re not doing much good for your teeth. You can opt for an electric toothbrush and allow the motor to do all the hard work for you (this is a great option for kids and all people with disabilities or chronic pain as well). Also, if you’re brushing too hard, you can easily wear off the enamel and cause injury to the gums which can cause nasty infections. Find a nice middle ground and brush away.
3. Certain Foods
The foods that we eat can have a big effect on our teeth. Not only can the content of your meals have an effect on your tooth health (sugary foods can cause cavities, while crunchy things clean teeth and dairy provides enough calcium), but they can also leave a stain on the surface of the tooth. The worst foods for staining your teeth are berries, fruit juices, coffee/tea, tomato sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and red wine—all tasty things. Try to minimize their usage in your diet, but also practice brushing every time after you eat them. A great idea is to also see a professional and get proper treatment. Getting your teeth bleached is painless, and there are even mobile teeth whitening options that can keep you out of the office for top comfort and amazing results. The professionals can make your teeth whiter from 5 to 14 shades. By using the latest technology and materials, these pros can give you a perfect smile using quick, safe, painless and effective procedures. Hollywood stars do it all the time, so why can’t you?
4. Tooth Injury
Some discoloration can appear from the injury to the tooth. In young kids, a fall or a hit can damage the production process of enamel production in developing teeth and leave a permanent discoloration to the tooth. And adults can also experience discoloration due to trauma. If you suspect this type of discoloration, make sure to see a cosmetic dentist and ask for advice.
5. Disease
Diseases, especially those that require radiation or chemotherapy, can greatly affect the health and look of your teeth. Also, while being pregnant is the furthest away from being sick, pregnancy can also be the cause of teeth discoloration. There’s nothing much you can do about these conditions but eat well and follow a good dental hygiene routine, but in case you take certain medication for other health issues, you can consult with your doctor and ask for a different therapy.
Medications like antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are notorious for teeth discoloration in developing children (younger than 8). In case you suffer from any inflammations and have to use a mouthwash with chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, it can also result in teeth staining. Various other medications like certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medication unfortunately also stain the teeth. Read the list of side effects in medication, and if they do affect teeth, see if you can get different medicine.
6. Environment
Excessive exposure to fluoride from the environment (some areas have naturally or artificially heightened fluoride levels in the water) can be the reason behind teeth discoloration. If you take certain fluoride supplements or use fluoride toothpaste or rinse, try to switch to something free of this mineral.
7. Aging
With age, teeth naturally lose the outer white enamel on the surface and the yellow dentin starts showing up below. The amount of dentin you have in your tooth increases with age, which reduces the transparency of teeth and makes them look darker. Also, this might not be fair to all people, but some of us simply have won a genetic lottery and have whiter and thicker enamel.
As you can see, teeth discoloration and staining can be reversed in most cases, especially if you practice good tooth hygiene and see professionals regularly. The latter can make the biggest difference in the look and health of your teeth, so find reliable experts and let them handle your teeth.
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in health and beauty related topics and alternative medicine. In her free time she enjoys long walks in the woods, hard exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
