Discolored Teeth
The enamel of our teeth protects the teeth from the harsh environment and constant action against the foods we eat
. Over time, the natural enamel wears away and becomes so thin that the more yellow dentin behind the enamel begins to show through. Fortunately, there are cosmetic
teeth whitening options available.
Many people suffer from various degrees of tooth discoloration. While most discoloration is not a serious condition and is related to natural processes, discoloration may point to other underlying problems that should be addressed. Discolored teeth may affect a person's self-image, prevent them from smiling, and lower their confidence.
There are many possible factors that contribute to discolored teeth. In some cases, discoloration can be prevented to some extent with proper care, but seldom reversed without one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Causes of Discoloration
Much of the discoloration process occurs through daily wear and tear. Each day hundreds of different food and beverage items pass your teeth, many with staining agents. Some of the leading culprits include:
Coffee
Tea
Wine
Juice
Red fruits
Green vegetables
Several other factors may contribute in one way or another to discolored teeth.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of discolored and dingy looking teeth. When considering cosmetic options for whitening, giving up smoking should be a major component for a plan of action in
teeth whitening.
Certain medications, like tetracycline can cause teeth to yellow. This occurs from the inside and no amount of brushing will remove this type of discoloration.
Many people are genetically indisposed to less than desirable tooth coloration.
Trauma can affect the color of a tooth. The entire tooth may turn grey or darken, or in the case of a cracked tooth, the enamel around the crack may collect discoloring agents more readily.
Metal fillings can case a dulling of an otherwise bright and winning smile.
Correction Options
Daily brushing and flossing will, to some degree, help prevent discoloration by removing staining agents as quickly as possible. The older you get though, the more difficult it is to keep up, since microscopic cracks in the enamel provide more surface area for staining agents to collect. There are several cosmetic options to whitening discolored teeth.
Tooth Whitening This is a temporary whitening procedure that can be performed in the cosmetic dentist's office, or with a prescription strength take-home whitening kit.
Porcelain veneers In more severe cases, porcelain veneers may be used as a cover to match a tooth to those surrounding, or to improve an entire smile. The glass surface of the porcelain is more stain-resistant that natural tooth enamel and helps prevent future discoloration.
Replacing metal filings Dull and dingy metal fillings can be redone with
composite or porcelain fillings that match the color of the surrounding natural teeth, for an brighter smile overall.
After the whitening process, it is important to avoid staining agents, to ensure that your smile remains bright for as long as possible. Avoid the staining agents in the foods and drinks that you consume, and definitely give up smoking.
Discolored Teeth
By: Sara Goldstein
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