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The teeth are some of the strongest and most durable parts of the body, enduring the mastication of meat and other food multiple times per day throughout a human’s entire lifetime. That being said, this does not make them immune to losing their whiteness.
Over time, you might find that your teeth are no longer as white as they used to be. Various factors can contribute to teeth discoloration and stains. As such, your local dentist in Ypsilanti has compiled this list of the most common reasons teeth stop being white.
1. Tobacco
If you needed one more good reason to quit smoking tobacco, here it is. In addition to the many health risks of smoking tobacco, you can avoid awful discolorations in your teeth by quitting or absolutely avoiding the act.
The nicotine content in cigarettes clings to enamel in the teeth, giving it a brownish tinge. Teeth already come in a slightly yellow color by nature. Smoking can turn this yellow into an unsightly brown if you start smoking as a habit or refuse to give it up. Not only that, but smoking gives you an increased risk of oral diseases, not to mention the other diseases it increases the risk of.
2. Dark-colored foods
Any food with dark-colored sauces and other savory ingredients will likely cause staining if your teeth receive improper care. Soy sauce, curries, pasta sauce, and even berries can cause discoloration and stains if you’re not careful enough. Exposure to such food is inevitable, but teeth discoloration doesn’t have to be.
3. Different drinks
It is not unheard of for alcoholic drinks, such as red wine, to cause staining in the teeth. However, many don’t know that white wine has an equal probability of causing stains due to its high acidity. Black coffee, tea, and sodas are other examples of things that can discolor teeth. To lessen the probability of teeth being stained by drinks, it might be safer to drink through straws or immediately rinse the mouth with water after any acidic drink.
4. Poor dental hygiene
This is perhaps the leading cause of discoloration. Irregular brushing can lead to food particles and plaque staying on the surface of teeth for extended periods. This can lead to stains and tooth decay. Always make sure to rinse your mouth with water after every meal or drink, and brush and floss the recommended number of times per day. Additionally, make sure to schedule regular visits to your local dentist to see what they can do to whiten and improve your teeth.
5. Age
Teeth don’t stay white forever. Your tooth enamel will slowly wear down and degrade, revealing the yellowish layer of dentin below. Luckily, a few visits to your local dentist can help your teeth look whiter and cleaner again. That being said, it is still important to employ the right habits so that you can delay the eventual yellowing of your teeth.
In conclusion
If you want to keep that million-watt smile of yours, it is important to take care of your teeth. One important aspect of taking care of your teeth is understanding what can cause problems with them. With a healthy knowledge of what to avoid and good hygienic habits, you can keep your teeth strong and white.
If you need the help of your local Ypsilanti dentist, send us a message at Dental House MI. We can give you that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
