Did you know that the color of your teeth is determined by your DNA, just as the color of your hair or your eyes? The majority of the population has ivory-colored teeth, but the color can range anywhere from slightly yellow to gray.
However, if you have white teeth and are only recently starting to notice the development of yellow or brownish stains forming over your teeth, you may want to take a closer look at why.
Causes of Teeth Discoloration
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Poor Dental Hygiene – The number one cause behind teeth discoloration is plaque formation because of poor oral hygiene. If you want to maintain the beauty of your pearly whites, make sure you brush twice daily, use floss, clean your tongue, and use a mouthwash to keep plaque buildup to a minimum.
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Dietary Habits – Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, cold drinks, and other foods with saturated acidic content can stain your teeth. Chewing tobacco and smoking are also some of the major causes of teeth discoloration.
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Enamel Damage – As we age, the enamel slowly begins to weaken. Poor oral and dental hygiene can aggravate the aging process weakening the enamel earlier as well. Over time the enamel wear and tear can lead to teeth discoloration.
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Medication Side Effects and Deficiencies –Calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies, among others, can also lead to teeth discoloration. Your teeth may also start turning yellow as a side effect of certain medications such as antibiotics.
Treating Teeth Discoloration
You can very easily avoid staining and discoloration by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
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Limit your caffeine, alcohol and tobacco consumption.
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Increase intake of calcium-rich foods.
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Follow good oral hygiene practices – brush twice daily, floss, clean your tongue, use mouthwash, and use fluoride-rich dental products.
Thurston Oaks Dental, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98662 \ (360) 514-9212 \ vancouverdds.com \ 10/9/2024 \ Key Phrases: dentist Vancouver WA \
Did you know that the color of your teeth is determined by your DNA, just as the color of your hair or your eyes? The majority of the population has ivory-colored teeth, but the color can range anywhere from slightly yellow to gray.