No one likes to look in the mirror and see a yellow or stained smile staring back at them. Unfortunately, dental discoloration is very common among adult dental patients. However, you don’t have to settle for a stained smile—our Santa Monica cosmetic dentists provide effective treatment options to lighten discolored teeth. Today we’re giving you some information on the root causes of discoloration. We hope this helps you better understand why your smile may change in appearance over time!
One of the most common causes of discoloration is environmental staining. Many of the foods and drinks that we consume every day can leave color deposits on enamel: coffee, tea, chocolate, red wine, soft drinks, and more. Over time, your teeth may start to look darker in general due to these staining substances. Keep in mind that the most discoloring substances are tobacco products.
Teeth can also start to look yellow as dental enamel weakens and thins. The layer of the tooth directly under the dental enamel is called the dentin, and dentin is naturally yellow in color. So, as enamel becomes thinner the dentin starts to show through to the surface of the smile. The key to avoiding this type of discoloration is to keep your enamel as thick and strong as possible.
Finally, dental damage and infection can lead to dental discoloration. If a tooth root becomes damaged, for example, the entire tooth may start to look gray and dull. Spots of plaque/tartar build-up, as well as dental cavities, will appear yellow or brown against white enamel.
If you are dealing with dental discoloration, our Santa Monica cosmetic dentists can help you whiten and brighten your smile. Treatment options allow you to lighten natural enamel or cover discoloration with bonding or porcelain. Give our team a call to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!