Top Causes of Tooth Discolouration and Teeth Whitening Treatments Available to Patients
by Lillian Dixon
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but having discoloured teeth can get in the way. Here is a look at some common causes of tooth discolouration, treatment options available for the problem and how to deal with any unpleasant side effects that may arise from tooth whitening treatment.
Top Reasons Behind Tooth Discolouration
What you eat or drink. The type of food and drinks you consume can affect the natural colour of your teeth. Foods like soy sauce, beet root, blueberries and blackberries and beverages like tea, black coffee, red wine and sports drinks can stain and discolour your teeth—it helps to avoid such foods and beverages.
Personal habits. Some bad habits are detrimental to both your health and the natural colour of your teeth. One such habit is tobacco smoking. If you are a cigarette junkie, you put yourself at risk of contracting lung-related illnesses, and you also stain your teeth. Quitting smoking can be quite hard, but with the right support systems, you can reduce or even kick your craving for the temporary and addictive high that tobacco smoking provides.
Aging. The natural process of aging can also lead to tooth discolouration. With time, the tooth enamel (outer tissue of the tooth) becomes thinner while the dentin (the tissue that lies underneath the enamel) becomes darker. As one grows older, the enamel wears down, leaving behind the inner layer of dentin visible, which is yellowish in colour. This, in turn, causes the teeth to yellow over time.
Genetics: Are you aware that genetics can also affect the colour of your teeth? Genetic disorders like dentinogenesis result in improper development of the enamel. This can cause yellowed or discoloured teeth.
Tooth Whitening Treatments Available to Patients
Generally speaking, teeth whitening treatment can be administered in two different ways: through in-office (professional) procedures or through at-home (DIY) procedures. In-office teeth whitening is carried out by a qualified dentist at the dental chair. At-home teeth whitening, on the other hand, is performed by patients themselves at home with teeth whitening kits. The teeth whitening kits used by DIYers can be purchased over the counter. Though at-home teeth whitening is cheaper, patients should opt for professional teeth whitening at a cosmetic dentistry office for best results.
In case you experience any unpleasant side effects after undergoing a teeth whitening procedure, be it at home or at the dental office, do not hesitate to seek help from your emergency dentist.
Share
About Me
As a mum, I know how essential sport can be to children's development. Through team sports like soccer, kids learn persistence, sportsmanship and the value of supporting their team members. However, all that learning carries some risk as well, and a stray elbow or a ball to the face can result in oral injuries. I have been the mum rushing to the emergency room with a precious permanent tooth sitting in a cup of milk. Admittedly, at the time, I wasn't even sure if the cup of milk was the right solution. As a parent, you will face those situations, and I'm here to make sure you know what to do when they pop up. With this blog, let's explore children's dentistry and sports injuries together... I want you to have the info you need to stay cool, calm and collected, regardless of how many teeth are on the pitch.