Nothing can mar your smile quite like yellowed and stained teeth. Perhaps you haven’t taken care of your teeth the way you should, or perhaps your teeth are otherwise healthy. In either case, there are many things that could cause you to need teeth whitening in Charleston, WV. Teeth are covered with a thin layer of enamel. This enamel could become stained from food, drink, or other factors, or it could wear thin. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, a more yellow-colored layer of the teeth. When enamel is thin, this yellow layer can show through. This tends to happen more to older people, so if you are younger and have yellow teeth, it is more likely due to external factors.
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is food and drink. If you drink large quantities of coffee, soda, or tea, or if you frequently drink red wine, this could stain the enamel. Other foods that can cause discoloration are berries, apples, and potatoes. Tobacco products – whether cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco – can severely discolor your teeth. Certain medications can cause discoloration and lead you to consider teeth whitening in Charleston, WV. These medications can include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs. Children who take tetracycline or doxycycline before age eight can also end up with yellowed teeth. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment often cause tooth discoloration.
Fluorosis is a common reason that people seek teeth whitening in Charleston, WV. While fluoride is generally thought of as a good thing, if a child ingests too much fluoride while his or her teeth are still forming (generally before age eight) it can cause fluorosis, which damages the cells that form the enamel and causes a mineralization disorder. This excess fluoride can come from drinking water, high fluoride toothpastes, mouth washes, and fluoride supplements.
Genetics is also responsible for some yellow teeth. Some people are just born with thicker or naturally whiter enamel. However, hard as it might be to admit, tooth discoloration is often the result of poor dental hygiene. Those who don’t brush or floss on a regular basis are more likely to end up needing teeth whitening in Charleston, WV than those who do.
The best way to avoid discolored teeth is good cleaning habits and avoiding certain foods. When you do consume those, it is best to rinse out your mouth with water after eating. Even with the most diligent care, however, you may end up with yellowed teeth. Luckily, there are many forms of teeth whitening in Charleston, WV that can give you a beautiful, sparkling smile.
