A bright smile can light up a room and endear you to others before they’ve ever even spoken to you. On the other hand, when you’re dealing with tooth discoloration, you may feel self-conscious about your smile and even hesitate to share it.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to treat tooth discoloration, but you’ll first need to determine the root of the issue. Take a closer look at some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.
What Is Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is any situation in which the natural color of the teeth has been altered. It can refer to changes on the surface of the teeth (extrinsic discoloration) or issues with the inner part of the tooth (intrinsic discoloration) that result in a darkening of the tooth’s appearance.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Tooth discoloration is a broad term that can be connected to a variety of issues. Determining which issue is causing your discoloration is critical to finding the proper treatment. Some of the most common causes include the following:
Certain Foods and Drinks
Consuming certain dark-colored foods or drinks can lead to tooth stains. For example, drinks like coffee and red wine can stain your teeth, while foods like soy sauce, dark berries, and tomato sauce can also contribute.
In general, this type of tooth staining can be treated fairly easily, provided you work to avoid stain-causing food and drink in the future.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a whole host of issues with both your oral and overall health, but that’s not the only reason why you should be brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. If you neglect your teeth, they can eventually become yellowed due to the buildup of plaque that allows stains to stick.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use of all kinds has the potential to cause considerable tooth discoloration. Additionally, the stains that tobacco causes can be more difficult to treat compared to stains caused by food and drink. It’s generally best to avoid tobacco altogether if you want to prevent tooth staining.
Dental Injuries
If you’ve experienced dental trauma and are now finding that your tooth is darker in color, it’s likely the result of intrinsic discoloration caused by damage to the inner tooth. In these situations, typical teeth whitening treatments are unlikely to prove helpful, but there are other options you can explore, such as veneers.
Aging
With age, teeth can start to become discolored due to the slow loss of the enamel layer. This can reveal the naturally darker dentin beneath.
Certain Medications
There are several types of medication that can cause tooth discoloration, including certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure meds. Your dentist can recommend the best way to address tooth discoloration based on your unique needs in these cases.
How Can My Dentist Treat My Tooth Discoloration?
Depending on the cause of your tooth discoloration, your dentist might recommend one of the following solutions:
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Tooth replacement
Each option comes with its own benefits, which your dentist can explore with you.
Feel Confident in Your Smile Again
There are many causes of tooth discoloration — along with many ways to treat it. The experienced team at Pinnacle Dentistry can help you find the right treatment for you so that you can smile with confidence again. Contact us to schedule your consultation in Colorado Springs today.
