Preserving the whiteness of your teeth can help you keep an attractive smile. If your teeth have dulled over the years, a cosmetic whitening procedure can help restore their color. Whether you have already undergone a whitening procedure, or hope to avoid one, you should know what products can carry a risk for tooth discoloration. It can be hard to avoid in some cases – certain medications you may need to take can cause changes in the color of your teeth that are not treatable with standard whitening agents. In these cases, other cosmetic treatments can help.
Tobacco
If you smoke, or if you use chewing tobacco, you can start to leave stains on your teeth. Tobacco use has more than just esthetic consequences – tobacco users are more likely to develop oral cancer.
Soft Drinks And Other Dark Beverages
Darker beverages can leave chromogens on your enamel, which cause discoloration. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks can change the color of your teeth. Drinks that are both dark and acidic, like sodas, can carry an even higher risk. The acidity can actually soften your enamel, so that more chromogens accumulate, and speed up the staining process.
Certain Medications
Tooth discoloration can be a side effect of some medications. Unfortunately, this type of discoloration is not the kind that teeth whitening will address. If you develop tooth discoloration after taking any type of medicine, you can talk to your dentist about porcelain veneers. Veneers are actually placed over your teeth – they look like natural teeth, but are crafted to cover visual flaws. This way, discoloration is kept from view, and you enjoy a bright and attractive smile.
