Tooth discoloration is one of the most common reasons people visit the dentist. It makes your smile look yellow or grayish. Discoloration of teeth usually occurs either due to foods that stain or loss of enamel that makes it look gray. What causes this discoloration is the contact of substances with the enamel that slowly corrode it and start staining the dentin under the enamel.
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The lifestyle of the 21st century is chaotic. The fast pace of the working population leaves you detached from your dental health. Bad habits that continue for a long time don’t knock on the door of dental health issues until too late and hit you when you’re off-guard. Factory processed foods and drinks affect your teeth and you remain oblivious to the damage they do. So often, the lifestyle choices that you make stain and discolor your teeth.
Certain food items, like pasta sauce or coffee, that you like to eat or drink on a daily basis can cause staining of the teeth. Fruits like apple or kiwis are good sources of vitamins and also prevent tooth decay, but cause staining of the teeth. This does not imply that you stop eating those fruits; instead, you could brush your teeth after consuming such foods. Junk food is the biggest reason for teeth discoloration or staining. Junk food contains food color and preservatives that cause erosion of the enamel.
Did you know that your favorite carbonated drink or soda can corrode even metals like iron? Basic club soda can be used to clean stains from silverware but they react differently with the enamel of your teeth. The enamel is a delicate material and soda tends to corrode it. Your affection for soda is affecting the natural balance of your teeth and making them weak. It would be better for you to avoid that cranberry soda if you like your smile bright and white!
The stress of maintaining an fast lifestyle leads to addiction of nicotine and caffeine in many young adults. Smoking a cigarette is a common response to stress in tobacco users. Cancer is a very long-term effect of tobacco use while staining of teeth can be spotted sooner. Smoking or chewing tobacco leaves the mouth acidified and the enamel undefended. This leads to yellow patches on the teeth, which are hard to get rid of.
Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol can lead to serious health issues and staining of the teeth over a period of time. Alcohol dries up the mouth and hinders saliva flow, causing the enamel to deteriorate and fade away. Once the enamel is destroyed, the alcohol damages the exposed dentin and causes teeth discoloration.
Medicines relieve you of the symptoms of diseases and infections but they also harm the oral health. Certain medications for common diseases can alter the natural balance of your mouth and discolor your teeth. Antibiotic medications such as tetracycline and doxycycline tend to stain the teeth. Chemicals like chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride used in certain mouthwashes are also linked to discoloration of teeth so choose your mouthwash carefully. Taking medication for high blood pressure or any anti-psychotic drugs can cause staining on your teeth.
The best way to prevent the staining of your teeth is to maintain good oral hygiene and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle choices. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly can help you keep your teeth white and shining. Best of luck!