Have you noticed that your teeth are not as white as they once were, or perhaps even as white as you would like them to be? Your teeth’s luster can be lost due to a variety of factors. 

Facts about teeth whitening and what causes discoloration.

Why do teeth become darker or discolored?

Almost everyone wishes they could have a bright white smile. Your teeth may discolor for a variety of reasons. Some things are out of our control, like becoming older or having accidents when we’re young, which could affect how our tooth enamel develops. This is why it’s crucial to talk to your dentist about any intentions you have for teeth whitening. Your dentist will be able to determine whether your tooth darkening is only lifestyle-related staining, such as from drinking too much coffee, or whether it may be more of a dental health issue. Despite the fact that teeth whitening is typically done for aesthetic purposes, your dentist can advise you on the best course of action for your particular stains. The good news is that correcting dental discoloration is frequently possible. That justifies working toward a radiant white smile.

Stains on teeth brought on by lifestyle choices:

• Starchy Foods: Foods and beverages that might cause stains include starchy foods like pasta or potatoes, as well as coffee, tea, colas, and wines.
• Using tobacco: A smoker’s or chewer’s teeth may become stained.

Discoloration of teeth brought on by dental health:

• Lack of dental hygiene: Plaque and food stains can accumulate if you forget to brush and floss your teeth. Skipping regular cleanings by a dentist can also cause stains to appear.
• Disease: Conditions that inhibit the healthy growth of dentin, the more porous “yellower” core beneath enamel, as well as tooth enamel (your teeth’s white outer layer), can cause discolouration. 
• Radiography: Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck are two medical procedures that can stain teeth. 
• Infections: Some infections in expectant women can interfere with your baby’s development of enamel and stain their teeth.
• Medications: Certain medicines have long been recognized to stain developing children’s teeth. Teeth can also become stained by mouthwashes and rinses that contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Antipsychotic medicines, antihistamines (like Benadryl®), and antihypertensive meds can potentially stain teeth.
• Dental materials: Some amalgam restorations, particularly those that include silver sulfide, might give your teeth a grayish-black cast.
• Aging: Your teeth’s outer coat of enamel wears away with time, revealing the tooth’s yellow dentin. As you get older, the dentin in your teeth also increases, which reduces the size of the pulp. The tooth becomes less translucent, giving off a darker appearance.
• Genetics: Some families have thicker, whiter enamel.
• Environment: Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which appears as white spots on teeth, whether it comes from environmental sources (high fluoride levels in water) or excessive use (fluoride treatments, rinses, toothpaste).

These days, everyone wants a white, healthy smile. Just be cautious about keeping your smile. Without first consulting, your dentist, avoid using over-the-counter home whitening kits or DIY teeth whiteners. Knowing how to safely whiten your teeth will keep you beaming for a very long time.

Schedule your Free Dental Implant Consultation at Ramlaouidds.com today. 

You can also sign up to receive our promotions and offers.

Because you deserve a Healthy SMILE!