Why our teeth discolor
Tooth discoloration is a part of aging and happens to nearly everyone at some time or another. Luckily there are methods that you can take to remedy the effects of yellowing or discoloration of your teeth including in-office whitening treatments and take-home treatments. Understanding why our teeth become discolored is important as there may be a variety of different reasons that this happens and therefore preventative measures that may be undertaken.
Our teeth contain a porcelain-like surface that is designed to protect our teeth from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks that are caused by sugar. This protective layer, called enamel, starts out bright white like that of children’s teeth. When this layer begins to break down discoloration can occur. As a result of the everyday wear and tear we place on our teeth the enamel begins to hold stains within its pores and becomes more transparent. The transparency of our teeth allows for the yellow color of dentin, the tooth’s core material, to appear. The more time that elapses naturally causes our teeth to accumulate more stains and causes our teeth to appear more dull and lackluster.
In addition to the natural causes of tooth discoloration there are also external culprits. These are mostly attributed to food and diet but may also be related to smoking or medicine use. As many know dark drinks such as coffee, teas and red wines can stain teeth. Did you know that fruit juices, soda and even beer can also discolor teeth? In addition to these dark drinks colorful foods are also responsible for tooth stains. Things such as cherries, blueberries, soy sauce and other heavily pigmented foods can also stain teeth.
In addition to diet medicine can significantly alter the color of teeth. Over-the-counter medication and antibiotics have been shown to dull teeth. Similarly the bacteria fighting antibiotic minocycline has been shown to yellow teeth and cause a permanent bluish-gray stain. Bad oral hygiene habits are also a culprit as allowing bacteria and stain-producing substances to accumulate on teeth will allow for the buildup of yellowing on your teeth.
Masci & Hale provides teeth whitening solutions and can help you decide if your diet, medicine, or other external factor may be the reason for your discolored teeth. To learn more contact us today.
