5 Unexpected Causes of Tooth Discoloration You Didn’t Know

A bright smile can be a huge confidence booster, but tooth discoloration can sometimes make you feel self-conscious. When it comes to tooth discoloration, most people think of coffee, tea, and smoking. But various other factors can discolour your teeth. In this blog, we will discuss surprising factors and tips to help your smile look fresh and healthy.

1. Medication Side Effects Analysis

The color of your teeth can be affected by many medications. Teeth can stain from the use of antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications. The stain may result from how these medications work in saliva or from drying effects in the mouth, which can lead to plaque and staining.

2. The Impact of Genetics and Age

You may not be able to control your genetics, but they can certainly affect your tooth color. Some people have naturally thin enamel, making their teeth more prone to discoloration. As you age, your enamel naturally thins, allowing more of the yellowish dentin to show through, making your teeth look darker. Over the years, some people notice that their smile isn’t what it used to be, and that’s nature’s aging process at work.

A teeth whitening treatment in Georgetown TX can help rejuvenate the brightness of your smile and reverse the effects of natural aging.

3. Failing to Take Care of Your Teeth

Brushing and flossing are both extremely important to keeping your teeth clean. By not brushing and flossing regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, which can cause them to turn yellow. Continued accumulation of food particles and bacteria on your teeth will cause your enamel to yellow. Therefore, it is essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss your teeth regularly.

4. Maintenance on Composite Fillings and Other Dental Treatments

Many dental procedures (fillings, crowns, bonding) may change their color over time. Composite resin fillings will stain over time if they are not maintained accordingly. If you have any old fillings that do not match the colour of your tooth, consider having the fillings re-done or touched up.

5. Foods and Drinks with High Acidic Levels

Examples of acidic foods and drinks include citrus and soda. Neither of these things will usually stain your teeth directly; however, they can cause other stains to stick to your teeth because they will weaken your tooth enamel. When the acid weakens tooth enamel, it will eventually cause your yellow dentin (which sits beneath your enamel) to show through and be more obvious.

Maintain Bright Smiles

Keeping your smile white can be as simple as maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, which can help prevent unexpected changes in tooth color. If you already have stained or yellow teeth, professional teeth whitening treatment in Georgetown, TX can help get back your bright smile.

Want to Refresh That Smile?

You can have a brighter smile today by scheduling a teeth whitening consultation with us at Westinghouse Dental! Our team of professional will help you create a perfect smile.

FAQs

What are the most significant contributors to tooth discoloration?

Many factors can contribute to discoloration of your teeth, including tobacco use, coffee, red wine, inadequate brushing and flossing, and natural aging.

Are my medications contributing to the discoloration of my teeth?

Some medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure medications, can cause tooth discoloration.

Is teeth whitening treatment in Georgetown, TX, safe for everyone?

For most people, teeth whitening is safe, but it is best to speak with your dentist in Georgetown before whitening if you have sensitive teeth or have had dental work.

For how long will my teeth stay whitened after treatment?

The effects of teeth whitening can last for just a few months to more than a year, depending on your habits.

Does​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ teeth whitening cause enamel damage?

Teeth whitening, if done correctly, will not harm your enamel. Nevertheless, if the whitening process is used excessively or repeatedly, it may lead to sensitive teeth; hence, a dentist’s recommendation should always be followed.

How often should I get my teeth whitened?

It is generally recommended to do it every 6 to 12 months, depending on your oral hygiene and the whitening you have had.

Are there any side effects of the teeth whitening?

Some minor and temporary tooth sensitivity may be experienced along with slight gum irritation, but these symptoms disappear within a short period of a few ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌days.