What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

    /24-7PressRelease/ - MANHATTAN, NY, , December 21, 2007 - Aside from the normal changes our teeth go through as we age, teeth enamel discoloration happens because of several reasons:
· What we eat and drink
· Conditions in our body that influence our teeth
· Trauma to the teeth
· Nutritional deficiencies
· Excess fluoride
· Previous dental work

Commonly, our teeth become discolored from medications, darkly pigmented food and drinks, and from smoking cigarettes. Genetics can also cause our teeth to become discolored. Some people simply have whiter, brighter enamel than others, meaning some are more likely to have tooth discoloration for no reason at all.

However, there are a few factors that increase a person's likelihood of having discolored teeth, including:
· Tiny defects in the tooth's enamel, allowing staining substances to accumulate
· Too little saliva, due to any of several medical conditions, leading to accumulated food particles and plaque
· Inadequate dental hygiene - food particles linger, plaque builds up, tartar forms, and stains result

Additionally, we eat and drink substances that increase tooth discoloration. Some of these substances are:
· Coffee, black tea, red wine, and cola drinks
· Tobacco, smoked or chewed
· Medications like tetracycline and doxycycline (in children under eight), and antihistamines like Benadryl

Fluorosis (too much fluoride) can cause white lines to appear on teeth. Over time, the lines stain and chip, leaving a brown and pitted appearance.

Sources of fluoride include:

· Fluoride supplements
· Chewable vitamins containing fluoride
· Store-bought beverages with added fluoride
· Fluoride added to the water supply
· Fluoride-containing, over-the-counter rinses, toothpastes etc.
· Foods prepared with fluoridated water

Nutritional deficiencies
To grow strong and healthy, our teeth need calcium, vitamins C and D, and phosphate. If any of these are insufficiently supplied in our diets, tooth enamel becomes thin and weak.

Trauma
Any kind of trauma, such as from a childhood fall, can disrupt the way our teeth form enamel, leading to teeth that have uneven thickness. If the enamel is too thin, dentin can show through. Since dentin is yellow, it can look like a stain as it shows through the thin enamel. Infection during pregnancy can also traumatize the formation of teeth.

Dental work
The metal amalgam used for fillings can show through translucent enamel and darken the tooth's color. Over time, amalgam can darken the enamel too.

If you are concerned about tooth discoloration, have a look at Dr. Michael Iott's website. He has a series of Before and After photos. He uses two whitening systems, and both are explained, as well as how Home Bleaching works. You can have the dazzling white smile you've always wanted, and Dr. Michael Iott can show you how!

If you or a family member are considering tooth whitening in the New York area, contact Dr. Michael Iott for your initial consultation today.

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