The Causes of Tooth Discoloration and Ways to Whiten

Michael Delano | December 13, 2017

If you ever feel self-conscious about your teeth, don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, 48% of the population is in the same boat. Of those who are unhappy with their teeth, 64% say discoloration is their main concern.

Dentistry is an important medical field for many health issues. Tooth pain can be one of the most agonizing feelings you ever have to endure. Likewise, tooth decay can cause dietary concerns. Jaw problems can leave your entire face sore, and grinding your teeth at night can ruin your dental health. If you ever get cavities, you need fillings or you will be in pain and possibly get an infection. For all these reasons and more, general dentistry is necessary. But what about the aesthetics of teeth?

There are many causes of discoloration that you likely do on a daily basis.

• Coffee, cola, candy, apples, wine, and many other foods and drinks can cause discoloration.
• Smoking. Seriously, besides cancer, heart disease, lingering odor, and a wretched cough, smoking will give you yellow teeth in a jiffy.
• Bad hygiene habits, like failure to brush and floss, can lead to plaque accumulation, tarnishing your teeth over time.

Aging is also an unfortunate factor in tooth discoloration. As you get older, your outer enamel gets worn away naturally, revealing the yellow-colored dentin underneath.

How to Have Whiter Teeth

If you quit smoking and stop slugging coffee, that’s certainly a start. What about the discoloration you’ve already encountered?

• Brush better and more regularly. Talk to your dentist about best oral hygiene practices.
• Home whitening products. Many of these products will give results, but they might damage the outer enamel of your teeth if not used properly.
• Veneers are a fairly extreme option. They are thin porcelain covers that go over your discolored teeth to give you that pearly white shine.

Dentists are there to help you with any and all oral health issues you have. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist today to schedule a consultation for your tooth discoloration. Being self-conscious about your teeth is totally normal, so take the first step towards higher confidence.