The Culprits of Tooth Discoloration

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Sadly, your dull, yellow smile isn’t exactly normal. In fact, there are multiple things that can cause tooth discoloration, taking the whiteness out of your smile. Unfortunately, this effect can hinder your self-esteem more than you want it to, oftentimes resulting in shying away from pictures and conversations. However, there is no need to fear. Once you determine the underlying cause of your darkened smile and you do your best to treat it, you’ll be on your way toward the bright and brilliant teeth you’re looking for.

To help you determine the underlying cause, Dr. Lavanya Gill and our dental team are happy to explain the culprits of tooth discoloration.

The first thing that causes tooth discoloration are dark beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine. This is because they have intense color pigments, which are called chromogens, that cling to the tooth enamel and tint it.

The second thing that causes stained tooth enamel is tobacco. The tar and nicotine in the tobacco products deeply stain the surfaces of your chompers and turn your smile yellow. It’s best to avoid tobacco at all costs.

The third thing that causes a dull smile is age. Your tooth enamel tends to fade away and get thinner throughout time. Beneath the enamel is a substance called dentin. This substance has a yellow tint to it. A time passes, the enamel will wear away and show the dentin, which will make your teeth more yellow.

The last thing that can cause a discolored smile is trauma. When you experience an oral trauma, your teeth will naturally create more dentin to protect your teeth. And, like mentioned before, because the dentin is naturally yellow, your smile will take on a yellow shade.

Now that you know what causes your dark smile in Stockton, California, it’s time to treat it! Feel free to call Country Club Dental at 209-466-1043 at your earliest convenience and schedule a whitening appointment. Our dental team is more than happy to help you!