Tooth discolouration makes you self-aware of your appearance and affects your confidence while interacting with others. Losing your self-esteem due to tooth discolouration impacts not just your personal but professional life too. So we are here to understand the cause, prevention, and treatment of tooth discolouration. Also, a quick tip at which stage you can visit a dentist near you to get teeth whitening.
What causes Tooth Discolouration?
There is no particular or primary reason for tooth discolouration, it depends on various factors. From medical conditions to not having a healthy lifestyle the factors, there are many, we will focus on the most common ones. These factors often lead to different types of discolouration of teeth, which requires diverse treatment and prevention tips.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
Having poor oral hygiene which is inadequate brushing or flossing leads to tooth discolouration. If you are unaware of poor oral hygiene, it may lead to plaque build-up and tartar formation.
Food and Drinks:
Consumption of food and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain over time. Substances like these contain chromogens, pigments that cause the thinning of tooth enamel leading to discolouration.
Tobacco Use:
Studies have shown long-term consumption of tobacco in any way leads to tooth discolouration. The nicotine and tar present in tobacco cause stain accumulation on your teeth. It causes your teeth’ colour to turn yellowish or even brown.
Certain Medications:
Taking medications in excessive amounts can cause discolouration. Medicines like antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs or antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline stain your teeth.
Passage of Time:
Aging is one of the most overlooked factors regarding discolouration. The reason is the wearing down of tooth enamel. It causes your teeth to appear yellowish and can happen after the age of 50.
Top 5 Prevention Tips
Here are the top 5 tips to help you prevent staining of your teeth and turning them yellow.
1. Always brush and floss your teeth regularly twice a day. It will eliminate plaque build-up which leads to staining.
2. Limiting the consumption of teeth-staining foods and beverages in extreme cases. For beverages that are carbonated or sugary, you can opt to drink from straw.
3. Quit chewing or smoking tobacco products that contain nicotine.
4. Staying hydrated through the day. Avoid bad bacteria build-up through saliva production and neutralize the acidic nature of your mouth.
5. Be consistent with your regular dental and cleaning visits. If this prevention still doesn’t satisfy you with results then visit your dental professional for teeth whitening services.
What is the Treatment for Tooth Discolouration?
As we said if the prevention does not work, you can focus on treatment for tooth discolouration. And sure there are numerous options available, so let’s break down these options.
Professional Teeth Cleaning: During the treatment, the dentist will use a concentrated bleaching agent and a step-by-step procedure that whitens your teeth.
At-home teeth whitening: Custom-fitted trays and peroxide-based gels are generally available at a drugstore. However, a dentist’s prescription and guidance elevate the outcomes.
Over-the-counter whitening products: The result may be less satisfying when compared to treatments mentioned before, but they still work. It includes whitening strips, gel, trays, toothpaste and rinses.
Natural remedies: Baking soda and apple cider vinegar help to remove stains from your teeth. But overuse can cause eroded enamel, damaging your teeth.
Dental procedures: In bonding, a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the surface of your teeth. Other than bonding dental procedures like veneers and crowns also help to protect the whiteness of your teeth. It is advised to visit a dentist if you are opting for veneers, crowns or bonded fillings near you.
Smile Bright! Visit Dentus Family Dentist
Let’s save you from those embarrassing moments that you had to experience due to tooth discolouration. Visit Dentus Family Dental, A Dentist in St. Albert will help you remove those stains so you can smile brightly. Learn more about our treatment and our satisfying results. Take a necessary step towards smiling tomorrow.