What are the most common causes of teeth discolouring?
If your teeth are losing their previous shine, if their colour is fading and they are no longer white, if you are dreaming of a better, stronger and brighter smile, then Berkeley Clinic Glasgow is the right place to be. Many people suffer from teeth discolouring and are looking for effective teeth whitening solutions to meet their needs.
At Berkeley we are well-aware of these problems and we aim to deliver an effective solution. As a cosmetic dentistry with extensive experience in cosmetic dental treatments, access to the latest technology on the market and some of the best cosmetic dentists in Glasgow we are well-equipped to meet and exceed the expectations of our patients.
However, getting teeth whitening in Glasgow is just part of the solution to teeth discoloration. A much better understanding of the reasons behind the problem is needed to enable the long term prevention of the condition.
What are the most common causes of teeth discolouring?
Teeth discolouring is a common problem that many experience. It is a direct result of natural aging of the teeth, the food and beverages we consume and the oral hygiene we maintain. Therefore the top most common causes of teeth decolouring could be summaried in the following list.
1. White and red wine
Wine and in particular red wine is well-known for staining and discolouring teeth. As it contains acids, chromogens and tannins it can significantly damage the enamel of the teeth and leave external stains. Surprisingly white wine has been found to have a more damaging effect on the teeth colour than red wine as a result of the different chemical components it contains.
2. Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee are also well-known for their staining properties. Similarly to red wine the black tea contains stain-promoting tannins and could significantly discolour your teeth. Surprisingly, black tea has been found to be more staining than coffee, which is chromogen-rich but low in tannins. Herbal, white and green teas have less staining effect than coffee and black tea so they could be a preferred option for the tea lovers.
3. Soft drinks
Cola and similar soft drinks also have a very damaging effect on the teeth. As they are rich in chromogens and acids they stain the teeth and the more often your teeth are exposed to them, the worse the effect. These soft drinks are also full of sugar which makes them even more harmful for the health of your teeth.
Berries such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, grapes, cherries and pomegranates also have a staining effect on the teeth. These fruits are intense in colour and any products that contain them, like juices and pies, can cause teeth staining.
Sauces can also affect your teeth colour significantly. Soy sauce, curry, tomato sauce and other similar sauces can stain your teeth and damage their natural colour.
Hard candies, popsicles, chewing gum and similar sweets are well-known for the colouring agents and sugar they contain. Very often they can stain your tongue so it should not come as a surprise that when consumed regularly they can play a major role in teeth staining and discolouring.
Smoking is well-known to cause staining and discolouring of the teeth. Tobacco contains nicotine and tar which are both harmful for the teeth. The nicotine is naturally colourless, however, when it combines with oxygen molecules it becomes yellowish. Tar, on the other hand, has a naturally dark residue. When people smoke nicotine and tar get into the microscopic pores of the tooth enamel and start building up. As a result the teeth visibly discolour and get extrinsic yellowish and brownish stains.
8. Poor dental hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential not only for the prevention of teeth decay, damaging and infections, but also for the prevention of staining and discolouring. Brushing and flossing your teeth to remove plaque and stains from coffee and tobacco is one way to fight tooth discoloration and staining.
9. Disease and medication
The teeth enamel and dentin can be affected by several diseases which can lead to tooth discoloration. Some treatments, such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can have a serious effect on the teeth and cause a change in the colour of the teeth. Medications such as antibioticstetracycline and doxycycline are also known to cause teeth discolouring in children. Surprisingly, mouth rinses and washes could also cause tooth discolouration, as they contain chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride.
10. Advancing age and genetics
Advancing age and genetics can also affect the teeth colouring. As we age the enamel on our teeth gets worn away and starts revealing the dentin underneath, whose natural colour is yellow. Genetics also play an important role as some people are born with thicker or naturally brighter enamel than others.
Can I prevent teeth discolouring?
Preventing teeth discolouring involves making life changes. These could be cutting back on coffee, alcohol and smoking and improving your overall dental hygiene through regular brushing, flossing and cleaning up by a dental hygienist every six months. However, some of the causes of staining and discolouring, such as aging and genetics, are out of our control. In these and all other cases teeth whitening is a viable and effective solution.
Why teeth whitening is an effective solution?
Teeth whitening can be a very effective, safe and painless solution to teeth discolouring, especially when it is done by a professional dental practitioner. The teeth whitening options will vary depending on the cause of the staining or discolouring and could include over the counter whitening agents, dental veneers and a range of whitening procedures carried out in a dental clinic. The different whitening procedures have different effectiveness and cost, with over the counter products being cheaper and least effective, and in-office treatments being generally more expensive, but with guaranteed effect.
Why chose Berkeley Clinic Glasgow?
At Berkeley Clinic we specialise in teeth whitening and laser teeth whitening in Glasgow. Our team has some of the best cosmetic dentists in Glasgow and we are proud to provide a full range of high quality dental treatments to our patients. We can successfully treat discoloured, stained and dull teeth that have been significantly affected by ageing and the consumption of staining foods and drinks. To learn more about the teeth whitening procedures we offer visit our website. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment contact us and come experience quality teeth whitening in Glasgow.
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