The Causes Of Discoloration Of The Teeth And How You Can Avoid It

Dentist Blog

It is quite normal for teeth to discolor as you age, and some of the causes of tooth discoloration cannot be avoided, but there are others that can. The first step is gaining an understanding of what causes discoloration of the teeth, and the next step is finding ways to avoid these things.

Types of discoloration

There are two main types of discoloration that can occur to the teeth, and the type you have some control over is called extrinsic discoloration. This is the easiest type of staining to correct because it refers to stains on the outer part of the teeth. Extrinsic staining typically happens from things you are doing in your lifestyle, such as consuming the wrong foods and beverages.  

While blueberries and blackberries are healthy, they are also foods that can lead to staining of the teeth. Curry is a common spice used in Thai and Indian foods, but consuming too much could also lead to discoloration. This is because curry has a lot of deep pigment in it, which can also lead to staining on the teeth.

The other type of discoloration is called intrinsic, which refers to staining that occurs on the inner parts of the teeth. This type is harder to fix, because the stains are deep and are often caused by things that are out of your control.

Ways to prevent discoloration

There is no better solution for having white teeth than good oral care habits, and this does not mean good habits only when you are an adult. Good oral habits should begin when you are young, and they are habits that you should carry with you every day for the rest of your life. In addition, to keep your teeth as white as possible, you should avoid:

• Any foods or beverages that may cause staining, including coffee and tea products
• Smoking and using other types of tobacco products
• Leaving cavities, tartar, and plaque on your teeth

Another good tip to keep in mind is that drinking your beverages with a straw might also help you prevent staining. This is because the liquids bypass your teeth, and less contact with your teeth means that there is a lower chance that the beverages will stain them.

If you take every step possible to care for your teeth the right way, your teeth are much more likely to stay white for the rest of your life. If you're already experiencing problems with the color of your teeth, you could seek professional whitening services to brighten them. If the stains are extrinsic, these services will work great, but if you have intrinsic stains, getting crowns and veneers to cover the teeth is a more viable option.

For more information, contact Ann L Ortega DDS or a similar dental professional.

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29 April 2015