There are a multitude of lifestyle factors that can cause tooth discolouration?
Are you wondering why your teeth have become yellowed, stained or discoloured? It could be something as small as your morning coffee that is doing the damage. At Image Dental in Applecross we have decided to go into more depth about the causes of tooth discolouration to help you understand what it is that could be causing yours.
There are three main layers to your tooth?
The main layers of your tooth are known as the tooth enamel, dentin and the pulp. These three layers make up your tooth, and each has its own role to play in keeping your tooth strong and healthy.
- Enamel: This layer is used to protect the tooth from harmful bacteria, and is made up of the hardest material in the body.
- Dentin: This is a hard layer that is porous in order to allow nutrients such as calcium to strengthen the tooth.
- Pulp: This is the soft, innermost layer of the tooth which contains the nerve, and this is what can sometimes become infected if tooth decay is left untreated.
These layers each have their own role to play in maintaining your oral health, and if not taken care of properly can become damaged, discoloured or decayed.
Why tooth discolouration occurs?
Tooth discolouration can occur for many reasons, which is why it is important not to be tempted by over-the-counter tooth whitening products. Discolouration can occur because the enamel becomes stained; this can be due to consuming food and drink such as:
- Sports drink
- Dark soft drinks such as cola
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red wine
Other lifestyle choices such as smoking can also have a detrimental effect not only on the colour of your teeth, but the health of your mouth and body as well.
Another cause for tooth discolouration is that tooth enamel naturally erodes with time, and as it becomes worn down, causing the enamel layer to become thinner and the yellowish dentin underneath to become exposed. This leaves the smile looking stained, which is why many elderly patients suffer from a discoloured smile.
When your discolouration comes from inside your tooth?
When you suffer damage to the nerves of your teeth or your periodontal tissue, this can result in the tooth darkening. This can be caused by:
- Periodontal disease
- Infection inside the tooth
- Trauma to the tooth
Because the discolouration is caused by damage or infection inside the tooth, quick fixes such as over-the-counter teeth whitening products are rendered completely useless. This is a big reason why you should visit our dental practice in Applecross to have your discolouration assessed, as if your tooth is darkening because of infection, the appearance of your tooth will be the least of your oral issues.
At Image Dental in Perth we will always assess your smile and if we find any oral issue present, such as trauma, periodontal disease or infection, we will keep you informed of your condition and work with you to tailor the best treatment plan for you.
To discover more about our tooth whitening treatments or to book an appointment at our Applecross dental practice, please do not hesitate to contact us.