What Everybody Ought to Know About Tooth Discoloration

Why does your smile look dull? Having a healthy white smile is everyone’s wish, but you find yourself not being able to smile because your teeth have stained. Teeth discoloration may occur due to age, accidents, food, toothpaste, and medication. As such, discussing tooth whitening plans with Novi teeth whitening dentist, Dr. Abir Faraj, will boost that smile once again.

What could be causing your teeth to stain?

Teeth may lose luster over time, even for those who brush and floss frequently. There are three categories of teeth discoloration, which are as follows:

Extrinsic

The discoloration mainly affects the tooth enamel. The common cause of these stains includes:

·       Food and beverages such as starchy food and coffee, tea, colas, and wine

·       Tobacco chewing and smoking

Intrinsic

It is a greyish stain located within the teeth making it more resistant to over counter whitening products. The common causes of these stains are as follows:

·       Medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and antihypertensives contain chloride, which stains teeth.

·       Trauma, when the tooth is injured, it prevents blood flow to the teeth, causing discoloration.

·       Dental materials such as silver sulfide give a greyish-black cast to the teeth.

·       Environmental fluorides from water and toothpaste cause fluorosis.

·       Tooth decay may cause teeth to stain.

Age-related stains

As one gets old, the outer layer of tooth enamel gets worn away, exposing the dentin, reducing the clarity of the teeth, making it darker. Plaque also tends to build up in older people’s teeth due to insufficiency while flossing, making them vulnerable to stain.

If you have discolored teeth, it is important to get a dentist’s opinion before getting teeth whitening. Not everyone is suitable for teeth whitening; pregnant women, those suffering from hypersensitivity, and those under the age of 16, are not safe for tooth whitening due to the chemicals used in the process. Those with dental restorations cannot whiten teeth since the dentures, veneers, dentures, and bridges are artificial.

What are ways of preventing tooth staining?

Teeth staining is prevented by avoiding stain-causing food and beverages, avoiding smoking, picking the right toothpaste, flossing between teeth, drinking water after having drinks that stain teeth, cleaning teeth regularly, and having professional teeth whitening.

What does teeth whitening entail?

With Dr. Faraj of Novi Family Dentistry, you are guaranteed safer whitening, which is done as follows:

In-office treatment, the dentist uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening, which works quickly and lasts longer.

Take-home treatment, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates custom trays for you to wear at home. The patient adds the gel to the trays before wearing them. Many patients prefer to take-home teeth whitening due to increased privacy.

Whitening products, the dentist may recommend safer whitening products after checking the teeth.

What do you need to do if you have discolored teeth?

Tooth discolorations are common and can occur to anyone due to various reasons. Having that brighter smile requires good oral hygiene, taking stain-free food and drinks, avoiding smoking, and professional teeth whitening. Dr. Abir of Novi Family Dentistry in Michigan is the best when it comes to tooth whitening, as you are guaranteed of regaining a bright smile.