Your
smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s natural to
want to avoid tooth discoloration and keep it bright. However, it’s common for
teeth to become discolored over time, which can detract from that healthy
smile. Tooth discoloration is a common problem, but fortunately there are
solutions to bring back that gleaming white smile.
There are many causes of yellow or discolored teeth. A few of
the most common:
You’re Getting Older - Your teeth can also start yellowing as a natural
part of the aging process. This happens as the strong, white protective coating
on teeth, known as enamel, fades over time because of everyday wear and tear on
your teeth.
You’re a Smoker - Tobacco
products, from cigarettes and pipe smoke, stain teeth. If you consume these
products, your teeth will darken over time.
Your Oral Hygiene Is Lacking
- When you do not routinely brush, floss and rinse your mouth to remove plaque
build-up and tartar, this can hasten the discoloration of your teeth.
You’re on Medication - Certain
medications, such as the antibiotics doxycycline and tetracycline, can darken
the teeth of children younger than 8 years old. Some antihistamines, drugs for
high blood pressure and antipsychotic medications can also stain adult teeth.
Go over any such potential side effects of the medications you are currently,
or may start taking, with your physician.
You Have an Illness- A less
common cause of tooth discoloration can be either a disease that affects
enamel, or the treatment of a disease, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation
used to treat cancer. In this case, the discoloration is more of a brownish
color.
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