When your teeth are stained, you may feel self-conscious about showing them when you smile or speak in public. Many things, from your genes to your diet to your oral hygiene routine, might contribute to tooth discoloration.
Your family dentist in Denver may be able to restore the whiteness of your smile and fix any issues with tooth discoloration using cosmetic procedures. However, whether these remedies work well on intrinsic or extrinsic stains is conditional. Continue reading to learn more.
Knowing the Causes of Discolored Teeth
To put it simply, there are two main types of tooth discoloration: intrinsic and extrinsic. Brown and yellow are the most common colors found in extrinsic tooth stains. This discoloration, which is caused by extrinsic causes like diet and lifestyle, begins on the tooth’s enamel. Tobacco use, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, and the regular consumption of soda, red wine, coffee, and tea can all contribute to tooth discoloration and a generally unhealthy appearance.
Options for Treating Yellow Stains
There are many potential causes of yellowing or discoloration of the teeth. You need to know what’s causing your tooth decay or gum disease before you can pick the right treatment to fix it.
In addition to hereditary factors, diet, beverages, and habits, the following can also cause tooth discoloration:
- Teeth with dentin showing because the enamel has worn away to nothing. When enamel wears away and reveals this dark yellow to brown substance, your teeth will get discolored to a yellowish hue.
- Yellowing of the teeth can also be caused by grinding the teeth unconsciously, especially during sleep. This disorder, also known as bruxism, can weaken your enamel and create a yellow discoloration of your teeth. It also increases the likelihood of tooth decay and injury.
- Overexposure to fluoride, known medically as fluorosis, discolors tooth enamel and can be seen as yellow spots. Fluoride can be found in a number of different places, including fluoridated water, fluoride tablets, and fluoride toothpaste. See your dentist regularly to make sure you’re getting enough fluoride.
- If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, your dentist can investigate the cause. A diagnosis will allow your doctor to determine the root cause of your yellow teeth and design a treatment plan to restore your healthy smile. Your dentist may suggest porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or crowns if whitening isn’t a possibility. It really just boils down to finding what fits your specific needs the best.