Everybody wants a gleaming set of pearly whites. Unfortunately, so many things can change the color of our smile that it can be difficult to keep it bright. Great oral hygiene and regular dental checkups from your Medford dentist play a key role in the hue of your teeth. However, understanding what causes this discoloration can help you prevent it from happening in the first place! Here are the top three factors that can cause a yellow, brown, or gray smile.
Dark-Colored Drinks
You probably know that coffee, tea, and soda are bad for your teeth, but do you know why? One important reason is that these drinks are often brimming with sugary syrups, creamers, and flavorings that fuel tooth decay and encourage the buildup of a yellowish substance called tartar. They’re also very acidic drinks, which means that even diet soda and black teas or coffee weaken your enamel and allows pigmented particles to take hold in your teeth.
Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your favorite beverages to protect your pearly whites. To minimize discoloration, finish them quickly instead of sipping them all morning or afternoon. You should also drink water with them and brush your teeth after you’re finished to clean away lingering sugars, acids, and dark-colored particles.
Tobacco Products
Tobacco products wreak havoc throughout your body, including your smile. These products contain nicotine and tar, which sticks to your teeth and stains them deep shades of yellow and brown. Smoking or chewing tobacco also keeps your mouth from healing quickly, which drastically raises your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. While your dentist can provide intense treatments to combat the discoloration, the best way to protect your smile and your overall health is to quit these harmful products.
Childhood Factors
Sometimes, your teeth may be tinged gray or yellow because of something you were exposed to in childhood. While it may be too late to prevent these issues, you can protect your child from them and correct the color of your own smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Some of these childhood factors include:
- Fluorosis: When developing teeth are exposed to too much fluoride, the enamel may undergo hypomineralization and develop noticeable white spots later in life.
- Trauma: Occasionally, experiencing a dental trauma that caused internal bleeding in childhood can lead to permanent discoloration of a tooth.
- Tetracycline: If you were exposed to tetracycline antibiotics before the age of eight, your teeth may become stained dark gray or yellow.
There are plenty of factors in our everyday life that can change the color of our smile. However, knowing what causes this discoloration can help you prevent staining and protect your pearly whites!
About the Author
If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, Giamberardino Dental Care in Medford, MA is here to help. With over 30 years of experience and the newest dental techniques, Dr. Giamberardino can help you overcome dental discoloration and restore your pearly whites. However, he’d much rather help you prevent stains from occurring in the first place with regular dental checkups and cleanings. If you’d like to know more about keeping or regaining a beautiful, bright smile, feel free to contact him via his website or at (781) 396-3800.