You may feel embarrassed about your stained teeth when you smile or talk in public. Tooth discoloration can be caused by many factors, including your genes, your diet, and your oral hygiene habits.
Your family dental professional in Denver may be able to restore your smile’s whiteness and correct any tooth discoloration with cosmetic procedures. It is not clear if these treatments work on intrinsic or external stains. Continue reading for more information.
Understanding the Causes of Discolored Teeth
Simply put, there are two types of tooth discoloration. Extrinsic stains are primarily yellow and brown. Extrinsic factors like diet and lifestyle can cause tooth discoloration. It starts with the enamel. Tooth discoloration can be caused by tobacco use (including chewing tobacco) and regular drinking of soda, red wine and coffee.
Treatment Options for Yellow Stains
There are many possible causes for yellowing and discoloration. Before you can determine the cause of your tooth decay or gum disease, you must first identify it.
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, diet, drinks, and lifestyle.
- Teeth showing dentin are caused by enamel that has been worn away. Your teeth will become yellowish-colored as enamel begins to wear away.
- Grinding the teeth unconsciously during sleep can cause yellowing. This disorder, also called bruxism can cause enamel to weaken and yellow discoloration. This can also increase the risk of tooth decay and injury.
- Fluoride overexposure, also known medically as fluorosis or fluorosis in dentistry, can cause tooth enamel to become yellowed. Fluoride can also be found in fluoridated water and fluoride tablets. To ensure that you are getting enough fluoride, see your dentist on a regular basis.
- Your dentist can help you determine the root cause of yellow teeth. Your dentist will perform a diagnosis to determine the cause of yellowing teeth. Then, he or she will design a treatment plan that will restore your smile. If whitening is not possible, your dentist might recommend porcelain veneers, dental bonding or crowns. It all boils down to choosing the right treatment for you.
