Causes of Tooth Discoloration
New York City, Manhattan, Queens
Generally speaking, some people have naturally brighter tooth enamel than others. But if you’re dreaming of a Hollywood smile, nothing less than the brightest, whitest teeth will do. Dr. Michael Iott in Manhattan, NY, cares about your oral health and wants you to have a dazzling smile you can be proud of, so he has provided the following information to help you understand tooth discoloration and ways to prevent it.
The dominant reasons for discoloration
- Staining from pigmented food and drink such as black tea, red wine, coffee, ketchup and cola drinks
- Aging, which by itself causes some fading and yellowing of the enamel
- Chemical damage from drug abuse, especially methamphetamines, which contain several corrosive ingredients that damage teeth, whether the drug is snorted or smoked
- Genetics, which determines how white your teeth can potentially be
- Some diseases
- Some medications, especially tetracycline when given in early childhood
- root damage and
- Smoking cigarettes, which causes yellowing, and darkening of the teeth
Good dental hygiene can minimize the damage from the first of these causes, but not from the rest.
Lesser-known reasons for tooth discoloration
- Eating certain fruits and vegetables (apples and potatoes for example)
- Head and neck radiation and chemotherapy
- Certain infections in pregnant mothers affect enamel development and can cause the baby to develop tooth discoloration.
- Mouth rinses and mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride
- Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications
- Amalgam fillings, which start to show through the remaining tooth and give it a gray-black color.
- Excessive fluoride from naturally high fluoride levels in water or excessive fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth
- Trauma to the teeth
A few lifestyle changes to prevent discoloration
- Stop drinking coffee, tea and cola. Drink more water for healthier gums.
- Quit smoking, or at least cut back.
- Take better care of your teeth every day. Brush with a wet soft-bristle brush and don't forget to floss. Keeping your gums healthy will keep your teeth looking whiter.
- Have your teeth cleaned every 6 months to remove plaque and tartar
Why not discuss teeth whitening with Dr. Iott? For deeply stained teeth, you could consider dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
The centrally located midtown Manhattan offices of Dr. Michael Iott welcome your questions about teeth whitening and oral health. Our experienced team works together to bring you the very best in care and comfort. If you would like to know more about our effective treatments for tooth discoloration and teeth whitening, give us a call today toll-free at (866) 801-4559, or email us to schedule your free consultation.
Let Dr. Iott get you back to enjoying life with improved oral health and a beautiful smile!
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