The different teeth whitening products readily available in the market today indicate how much people are concerned with the appearance of their teeth. Although it may be a common problem, teeth discoloration can make you self-conscious and affect your self-esteem. You may avoid smiling or any activity that involves exposing your teeth. Thanks to Bristow Teeth Whitening, you can restore your smile’s sparkle. Knowing the causes of tooth discoloration will help you maintain your white teeth.
What is tooth whitening?
Teeth whitening involves using a bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) to make your teeth several shades whiter. Only professionals should carry out this form of dentistry to avoid any oral health risks such as gum inflammation. Today, whitening products such as rinses, toothpaste, and home kits are available over-the-counter, making it easier for people to whiten teeth at home.
However, they usually do not contain an adequate amount of whitening product, and therefore you may not get the results you desire. Below are the common causes of tooth discoloration.
Aging
The enamel wears away as you age, allowing the next layer of the tooth (dentin) to show through. Since dentin is yellowish, the teeth develop a yellow shade as individuals advance in age.
Poor dental hygiene
Failing to brush and floss your teeth every day allows food particles to form a sticky substance called plaque. The material formed on your teeth offers grounds for stains to stick, causing teeth discoloration. Cleaning your teeth can help keep your teeth sparkling after whitening. Remember to visit your dentist every six months for professional cleaning to keep your mouth healthy and avoid stain formation.
Trauma
The tooth enamel can chip when you fall, interrupting its formation. It is common in children, but adults can injure their enamel, causing discoloration of the affected teeth.
Medications
Medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs used for hypertension can cause changes in the natural color of your teeth. The same goes for mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride. Exposing children below eight years to drugs such as the antibiotics tetracycline doxycycline can cause discoloration of teeth. Cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also cause your teeth to stain.
Diseases
Medical conditions such as liver disease, calcium deficiency, celiac disease, and metabolic diseases affect the hard outer coating of your teeth and may cause discoloration. Pregnant women can also develop an infection that affects enamel development in their babies, making their teeth discolored.
Foods and beverages
Food and drinks you consume daily, such as coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries, and beets, gradually stain your teeth. Any food or drink that leaves color on your apparel or hands could also stain your teeth. Some of the foods you need to watch out for besides the ones listed above include cranberry juice, soda, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. Since you may not completely cut out these foods and drinks, you can reduce the intake.
For a set of pearly white teeth, reserve a session with your dentists at Momentum Dental Care for teeth whitening.