Dental

A Glance at Teeth Discoloration

Are you noticing some white/dark spots or teeth changing color? Teeth discoloration is more common than you may expect. If your teeth are not as white as you would like, it may affect your confidence. Smiling or even talking could take a blow. Midtown East zoom teeth whitening can restore your dazzling smile with innovative solutions to your situation and needs.

Your teeth lose luminosity due to various reasons. They range from genetics, aging, poor oral hygiene, diet, habits like smoking, ailments and certain medications, trauma, and environmental elements such as high fluoride levels in the water. There are many causes, but so are the ways to reverse and/or prevent teeth discoloration. As you work to restore and maintain a healthy and brighter smile, the easiest way is to learn what is causing the stains. The best way to know this is by considering the color, among the common including:

White spots

White spots are common in young, developing teeth. It is referred to as fluorosis, and the primary cause is exposure to too much fluoride. This could be from drinking water or excessive use of fluoride rinses/toothpaste.

Yellow

Yellowing happens with age. This is as the white enamel surface wears down, making the yellow core more visible. The enamel thins with all the chewing and exposure to acids over the years. Besides yellowing, you could also notice a grayish shade due to long-term food stains.

Purple

Your teeth can spot a purple color, primarily associated with red wine. Red wine, over time, causes your teeth to become purple, brown, blue, or dingy gray due to the aids, tannin, and natural dyes. The properties get etched, staining the enamel and resulting in discoloration.

Brown

Teeth turning brown are the most common discoloration problem. It happens due to concerns like poor brushing, tobacco use, and dark beverages such as coffee and tea. This leads to plaque accumulation, which sticks to your tooth surface, turning the enamel brown.

Black

The discoloration happens due to tooth pulp necrosis or tooth decay. Your teeth can turn black or grayish, which should not be discounted, not just for the looks. Other concerns, such as exposure to manganese, iron, or silver, among other minerals, especially in industrial settings, can lead to black teeth, but mostly just a line. Chewing items such as betel nuts can also turn your teeth black.

After considering the color, you will better understand what is ruining your perfect smile. This helps you find ways to avoid further discoloration. You can revise your habits such as smoking to cut down on tobacco, limit coffee and wine consumption, or up your brushing and flossing efforts. You could also visit a dentist, especially if the discoloration signals a potential dental concern, such as teeth decay.

Professional teeth whitening helps you reverse the situation. With prevention measures, you will adopt a healthy oral routine and keep a bright smile for an extended period. Do not let teeth discoloration lower your confidence. Visit Dr. Aaronson & Associates for whitening and recommendations to help prevent discoloration.