Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Teeth discoloration is a normal process that occurs with age and for a variety of causes. Nevertheless, tooth discoloration may extend far further than the superficial stains that are removable by your dentist during routine cleanings. For those individuals, our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares on the blog today what might be making your teeth seem more yellow, darker, or less white than they used to be and how you can brighten your smile.
Coffee or Wine Lover
Although a wide variety of foods and beverages, such as fruit juice, soy sauce, and even berries, are capable of staining teeth, coffee and wine are two of the biggest offenders in this category. Coffee, wine, or both may cause discoloration of teeth over time if consumed regularly in sufficient quantities. Although the stained teeth effects are more readily apparent after drinking red wine, teeth may get discolored after drinking any alcoholic beverage. Even after having your teeth professionally whitened, beverages like coffee and wine may still leave stains on your teeth, which is why it’s essential to keep up with your biannual dental checkups and cleanings and practice good oral hygiene.
Aged or Damaged Tooth Enamel
Enamel is what gives your teeth their characteristic transparent look and also serves to protect them. However, if your tooth enamel is thinner than it used to be as an injury result, it may discolor more easily, causing your teeth to seem more yellow. Our East Lansing cosmetic dentist explains that the softer layer that lies underlying your tooth enamel, dentin, can make your teeth look older than they are because it’s naturally more yellow than enamel. When dentin starts to show, your teeth may seem duller and less white than they were before.
Childhood Tetracycline
Teeth might develop a grey hue and become discolored if the antibiotic tetracycline was used by the patient before the age of eight or if the patient was exposed to the drug when they were still in the womb. Tetracycline interferes with tooth mineralization, which may result in persistent staining of adult teeth even before they emerge from the gum tissue. Although teeth discolored by tetracycline usually do not respond to over-the-counter whitening agents, speak with Dr. Tenaglia about professional teeth whitening to eliminate intrinsic stains or staining from within your teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Do you sometimes skip flossing and cleaning your teeth? Our Lansing cosmetic dentist explains that this poor habit may lead to discolored teeth and an embarrassing smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day helps remove plaque that could lead to tooth decay and gum disease, in addition to discoloring your teeth. The result might be an accumulation of surface stains or deep, set-in stains that are tough to remove. Both of these outcomes are difficult to rectify without the help of a dentist.
Tobacco Use
If you use tobacco in any form, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, the color of your teeth will be darker than it would be for someone who doesn’t use tobacco. Tobacco use may give the illusion that teeth are yellow, brown, or even black. The more tobacco you use or, the longer you use it, the more severe the tooth stains.
Teeth Whitening in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
It’s possible to have a brilliant smile for the rest of your life if you take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them at home and going to the dentist for exams and cleanings regularly. The best treatment for a discolored smile is professional teeth whitening treatment at our Okemos dental office. Ask about Zoom teeth whitening in Okemos when you contact our office. So, schedule a consultation at Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to request an appointment.