How To Avoid Discoloration of The Teeth

When you live your life, the smile may become less white. This may happen because of the stains on the surface of the tooth or changes in the tooth material itself.

Extrinsic discoloration — Foods and drinks may cause the discoloration of the teeth. This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) or seam of a composite filling stains.
Many dark-colored foods and drinks contain chemicals called chromogens. Like the tannic acid in red and white wine, these chemicals can stain tooth enamel. Over time, these stains may become permanent, especially if a person has poor dental hygiene.
Other foods that may cause discoloration are: coffee, blueberries, soy sauce, tomato sauce, tea, cola and sugar. Also smoking causes extrinsic stains.
Also tartar and tooth decay may show up as staining of the teeth.

Foods and drinks containing artificial colors and dyes can also cause significant staining of the teeth.

Intrinsic discoloration — This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.

Age-related discoloration —

This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows or becomes more grey over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Also the thickness of dentin increases.
And that leads to difference on how the light passes by through the tooth. That’s why we perceive the tooth becoming different color.
There is also a vast amounts of different foods that discolor the tooth. Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged.

Tips On How To Avoid The Staining Of The Teeth

Brushing your teeth after eating a meal will help to prevent some stains. Regular cleanings by a dental hygienist also will help to prevent surface stains. Rinsing your mouth with water after having wine, coffee or other drinks or foods may stain your teeth.

It’s possible to remove discoloration with bleaching gel at home or by a visit to the dentist. Whitening toothpastes may remove minor stains, but they aren’t very effective in most cases.

If you’ve had a root canal and the tooth has darkened, your dentist may perform an internal bleaching by applying a bleaching material to the inside of the tooth.

When a tooth is stained and doesn’t respond to bleaching, your dentist may recommend covering the discolored areas. This can be done with a composite bonding material that’s color-matched to the surrounding tooth. Also veneers may be viable option.

Extrinsic stains are usually easier to treat and respond well. Internal discoloration is always a bit more challenge.

How to avoid the staining of the teeth:

– Brush the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes twice daily.
– Floss once a day.
– Also using antimicrobial mouthwashes may help fightin plague.
– Drink with a straw. This can help keep stains away when you drink soda, juice, or iced coffee or tea. The liquid won’t get near the visible front surfaces of your teeth
– Don’t use tobacco.
– Get your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist or a dentist.
– Rinse the mouth with water or brush the teeth after eating, especially when meals have contained high amounts of sugar, chromogens, or tannins

It is a worthwhile to avoid these foods if you are looking to keep your pearly whites white:

– red wine and dark liquors
– sugary foods and drinks
– citrus fruits and juices
– foods with artificial coloring
– dark fruit juices
– dark sauces, such as soy sauce and tomato sauce
– coffee and tea

Some foods may help to avoid discoloration. This happens by fibers scrubbing of bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Some food items helps the teeth to avoid acids to affect the enamel.
Some foods that may help prevent tooth discoloration include:

– green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli
– whole grains and cereals
– cheeses
– fermented yogurts
– nuts
– high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as apples, plums, pears, and celery
– foods rich in certain antioxidants, including carrots, ginger, and garlic