Tooth Discoloration: Causes and Treatments

 

A person brushing their teeth

Did your pearly white teeth start darkening or changing colors? Tooth discoloration can have many possible reasons:

· Age-related

· Intrinsic, which means that it’s due to something inside your body or teeth

· Extrinsic, which means it’s due to something that came into contact with the teeth

If you’re concerned about your teeth suddenly changing colors, it’s best to visit a professional dentist in Midland. Here’s why you might have issues with tooth discoloration:

Foods and drinks

Many foods and drinks have strong colors that might stain your teeth, such as wines, colas, tea, coffee, and even certain vegetables and fruits, like potatoes and apples.

It’s important to only eat or drink these items in moderation if you want your teeth to keep looking bright, white, and shiny.

Smoking

Chewing or smoking tobacco can stain your teeth with an unpleasant yellow color. Smoking is also known to cause dry mouth and produce bad breath, which might lower your self-confidence even more. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, it’s best to give up smoking.

Poor dental hygiene

There are plaque-causing bacteria living in your mouth at all times. The bacteria feed on leftover food particles in your mouth and produce acid that affects the enamel of your teeth. Not rinsing, flossing, or brushing properly enough to remove this plaque can cause your teeth to start decaying. Cavities and tooth decay usually show up as brown or black discolorations around your teeth.

You also need to brush your teeth properly to remove any stain-producing substances after eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

Disease

Many diseases can affect the enamel and cause tooth discoloration. Certain treatments for different diseases can also affect your tooth color. Neck and head radiation or chemotherapy might cause teeth discoloration. Also, pregnant mothers might develop certain infections that can cause tooth discoloration in their babies.

Medications

Certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline, can cause tooth discoloration in children with developing teeth. Many washes and rinses also contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine, which can stain your teeth. Medications such as antihistamines, high blood pressure drugs, and antipsychotic drugs can also change the color of your teeth.

 

A laughing woman

Visit a cosmetic dentist in Midland

Discolored teeth can negatively impact your self-esteem and make you hide your beautiful smile. Dr. Allan Baldawi at Dr Be Smiles can check your teeth to determine the cause of the discoloration and provide an appropriate treatment within the same day. The dental office provides various same-day dental treatments such as root canals, dental implants, and professional teeth cleaning.

Book an appointment today! You can learn details here.

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