Why Do I Have Tooth Discoloration?

Many people appreciate having a pearly white smile. But teeth can form stains or grow yellow, dull, or dark over time for a number of reasons. You might feel self-conscious about how this discoloration impacts the look of your smile, which can lead to a blow to your confidence that affects other aspects of your life.

Your dentist can develop a personalized cosmetic dental treatment plan that will brighten your tooth color. But ideally, you can preserve the natural white color of your teeth for as long as possible.

You can better protect the look of your smile by knowing what external threats could impact your dental aesthetics. Read on to discover three of the primary reasons you might see discoloration form on your teeth.

Why Do I Have Tooth Discoloration

 

Consumption of Staining Agents

You may have heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” meaning your diet influences your health. But the foods and drinks you consume can also affect your tooth color and leave stains on your smile.

Dark drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine get their color from naturally occurring substances called tannins. These tannins transfer to your teeth as you drink and absorb into the tooth enamel to create deep dental discoloration. You cannot remove these stains with your toothbrush and typical oral hygiene routine.

You can reduce your risk of forming tooth stains by sipping through a straw or adding milk to a dark beverage. But these efforts do not eliminate the chances entirely.

Limit these items that carry staining agents within your diet to preserve your tooth color. Tobacco also stains your teeth when you smoke or chew it, so steer clear of this substance.

Underlying Dental Issues

Dental discoloration can develop as a symptom of a larger oral health problem. For instance, cavities can present as white, brown, or black spots on the surface of the teeth. Your dentist will need to treat this early form of tooth decay promptly, and the stains will go away afterward.

You might see your tooth color grow dull if you have a problem with your tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your tooth. Tooth pulp can become non-vital if an injury or other damage disrupts blood flow to the tooth. This could put your tooth in danger of further complications along with this change in tooth color.

Do not ignore changes in the appearance of your smile, including tooth color. It could point to an underlying dental issue that requires intervention from your dentist to amend.

Factors Beyond Patient Control

Stains on your teeth might also form due to factors outside of your control, including aging. As you get older, your enamel will weaken, making your smile more susceptible to discoloration and other concerns. Some medications will also make your teeth yellow as a side effect.

To protect your tooth color, visit your dentist regularly. They will provide optimal preventative dental care to preserve the look and feel of your smile. Schedule a dentist appointment today.