Dental Health and Tooth Discolouration

Are you concerned about teeth discolouration?  There are lots of factors that cause discolouration of a tooth and here are some examples:

• Foods/drinks – Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and potatoes) can stain your teeth.
• Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
• Poor dental hygiene – Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discolouration.
• Disease – Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discolouration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth colour. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discolouration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discolouration in the infant by affecting enamel development.
• Medications – The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolour teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before age 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discolouration.
• Ageing – As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away, revealing the natural yellow colour of dentin.
• Genetics – Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.
• Environment – Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discolouration.
• Trauma – For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discolouration to adult teeth.

How Can I Prevent Teeth Discolouration?

By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent teeth discolouration. For example, if you are a coffee drinker and/or smoker, consider cutting back or quitting all together. Also, improve your dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash daily, and getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.  If your teeth appear to be an abnormal colour without ready explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Where can I go to get cosmetic dentistry done in Galway?

Look no further than Rdent.  We offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry at Unit 70 Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road, Galway including:

• Porcelain veneers
• Composite veneers (cosmetic bonding)
• Six Month Smiles braces
• Opalescence tooth whitening
• Metal free crowns and bridges
• Tooth coloured fillings
• Implants
• Smile rejuvenation and make-overs

Get in touch today:

Phone: 091 563 792
Email: smile@rdent.ie

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