Dental Health
Good dental hygiene is important in taking care of your overall health. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day and, flossing daily, visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. Also, good dental hygiene can help lower the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Teeth discoloration can be a sign of poor dental hygiene.
Discoloured teeth can signify that you are not brushing your teeth regularly or may have developed a dental condition. If you do not brush your teeth regularly, bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth, causing discoloration.
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If you do not brush your teeth regularly and consume these staining beverages and foods, your teeth could discolour. There are certain effective daily routines you can follow for ideal dental hygiene. Because, poor dental hygiene can also lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems, which can cause discoloration. Therefore, good oral hygiene habits can help reduce discoloration and other dental problems.
What causes discoloration
Dental treatments can help to reduce teeth discoloration, but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the cause of the discoloration. Teeth stained due to consuming certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, may be whitened with professional teeth whitening treatments. Whitening does not change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers, and it can cause temporary sensitivity for some people, so ask your dentist whether it suits your teeth. Dental veneers and crowns may also cover up teeth with severe discoloration.
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On the other hand, teeth that are discoloured due to medications or medical conditions may not respond as well to whitening. Your dentist can explain other options, such as veneers or crowns. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist to find the right treatment option for reducing teeth discoloration.
1. Aging
Aging As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally begins to thin out, making our teeth more transparent. This causes the yellow dentin layer of the tooth to become more visible, leading to discoloration of the teeth. Additionally, as we age, our gums may recede, further exposing the dentin layer of our teeth.
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Over time, the enamel on the teeth can become thinner, allowing for the underlying dentin to show through. Dentin is a yellowish material that can give your teeth a yellowish or brownish tint. Additionally, as we age, our saliva production decreases, leaving our mouths with less saliva to keep our teeth clean and healthy. As bacteria builds up, it can cause plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, making them yellow.
2. Food choices
Staining from Food and Beverages Certain food and beverages can stain our teeth if consumed in excess. These items include coffee, tea, red wine, dark soft drinks, berries, and tomato-based sauces. To reduce the risk of staining from these foods and drinks, it can help to rinse with water soon after consumption. Ask your dentist when to brush after acidic drinks such as soft drinks or wine.
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3. Poor dental hygiene
Poor Dental Hygiene Maintaining healthy dental hygiene can help reduce teeth discoloration. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter. Additionally, it is important to get regular checkups and cleanings by your dentist to help prevent discoloration.
4. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products can cause teeth to become stained yellow or brown over time. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause staining on the surface of one’s teeth and can be difficult to remove without professional help. Quitting smoking can help lower the risk of further staining. Your doctor, pharmacist or dentist can suggest ways to help you quit.
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5. Certain Medications
Certain medications can have the side effect of causing teeth discoloration. These medications include tetracycline antibiotics, some high blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs. If you are taking any of these medications, do not stop or change them on your own. Talk to the doctor who prescribed them, and ask your dentist what can be done to lower the risk of tooth discoloration.
Conclusion
Regular dental checkups are an important part of reducing tooth discoloration. Regular visits to the dentist will help identify the cause of discoloration in the early stages to treat it properly. An ideal oral hygiene routine can help prevent teeth discolouration.
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During these checkups, the dentist can advise on dental care and oral hygiene, including which toothpaste and mouthwash suit you and dietary habits that may help reduce teeth discoloration. Regular dental checkups in Calgary can help you keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
Booking an appointment at The Port Dental is simple. You can get an appointment for teeth cleaning in Calgary which includes scaling (removing hardened tartar), and ask about professional whitening as a separate treatment.
Our team is happy to answer your questions about tooth colour, whitening and cleanings.
See a dentist if one tooth darkens suddenly, if discoloration comes with pain or sensitivity, or if you notice changes after starting a new medicine. Ask your dentist before using whitening products at home.
Next step: Learn about professional teeth whitening at The Port Dental Clinic in Calgary NE. We are open 7 days a week and accept new patients. Book online or call 403-345-1110.
