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There are several reasons why teeth may darken. These include.
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Foods/drinks:
Coffee, tea, colas, wines,
and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and potatoes)
can stain your teeth.
Tobacco
use :
Smoking or chewing tobacco
can stain teeth.
Poor dental
hygiene :
Inadequate brushing and flossing
to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and
tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
Disease:
Several diseases that affect
enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying
material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. In addition,
treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For
example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth
discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers
can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel
development.
Medications
:
The antibiotics tetracycline
and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children
whose teeth are still developing (before the age of 8). Mouth rinses
and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride
can also stain your teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic
drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also cause teeth discoloration.
Dental
materials :
Some of the materials used
in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations , especially silver sulfide-containing
materials, can cast a gray-black color to your teeth.
Advancing
age :
As you age, the outer layer
of enamel on your teeth gets worn away revealing the natural yellow
color of dentin.
Genetics
:
Some people have naturally
brighter or thicker enamel than others.
Environment
:
Excessive fluoride either
from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water)
or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste,
and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.
Trauma
:
For example, damage from
a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth
are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult
teeth.
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How Can I Prevent Teeth Discoloration?
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By
making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent
teeth discoloration. For example, if you are a coffee drinker and/or
smoker, consider cutting back or quitting all together. Also, improve
your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and getting
your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.
If your teeth appear to be an abnormal color without ready explanation, the abnormal tooth color lasts despite following good oral hygiene practices, and if other symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist. |
What Treatment Options Are Available to Whiten Teeth?
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Treatment
options can vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and
may include.
* Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
* Avoidance of the foods and beverages that cause stains
* Bondings
* Veneers
* Using over-the-counter whitening agents |
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