Why we may have tooth discoloration

clearwater dentist, clearwater tooth restoration, tooth discoloration, clearwater tooth whitening

There are several reasons why teeth may darken or become discolored. Some reasons include what we put into our mouth, our hygiene and environmental issues.

Products that stain and discolor our teeth

• Foods and beverages: Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables including potatoes and apples can stain your teeth.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
• Poor dental hygiene: Plaque and stain-producing substances like those from what you eat and drink can cause tooth discoloration if proper dental hygiene is not used.
• Age: As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.
• Environment: Excessive fluoride either from high fluoride levels in water or from excessive use in products such as rinses, toothpastes and supplements can cause teeth discoloration.
• Disease and treatment for disease: Several diseases that affect our tooth’s enamel and dentin which would cause discoloration in our teeth. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. Radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.
• Medications: The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before the age of 8). Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also cause teeth discoloration.
• Mouth Rinses: Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain your teeth.
• Dental materials: Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations , can cast a gray-black color to your teeth.
• Dental Trauma: Falling can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.

For information and a video on how to get whiter teeth from WebMd click here