A set of shiny white teeth gives an attractive and confident look, while discolored teeth can make you self-conscious. Furthermore, teeth discoloration could be a sign of an underlying dental health concern that may require medical intervention.

There are many causes for your teeth lacking the shine and whiteness you desire or the luminosity they once had. Here are some of the most common causes of teeth discoloration:

• Poor oral hygiene and neglecting to brush and floss your teeth can cause plaque and food stains to build up. Plaque is initially brownish-yellow then gradually darkens in color. Skipping professional dental cleaning can also cause staining of the teeth.
• With advancing age, the outer layer of your teeth’s enamel gets worn away exposing the yellow dentin. Your tooth dentin also grows as you age which decreases the size of the pulp. The translucency of the tooth reduces, making it look darker.
• Smoking exposes the teeth to many harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide. These chemicals deposit on the surface of the teeth and cause staining.
• Excessive teeth brushing with fluoride toothpaste or harsh brushing can damage the enamel and lead to discoloration. Mouthwashes can also have the same effect if used more often than recommended.
• Certain drugs such as tetracycline and doxycycline can affect enamel formation and lead to teeth discoloration. Additionally, antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also cause yellowing or blackening of teeth.

Identifying and treating the underlying cause of teeth discoloration can help effectively manage the condition. Scheduling regular teeth whitening sessions with your dentist can also help get rid of teeth discoloration.

Here are some tips to help prevent worsening teeth discoloration:

• Floss daily
• Quit smoking
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages
• Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups