There’s no such thing as a good time to get a toothache, but it’s especially bothersome to come down with the pain when you can’t get in to see your dentist. So what should you do until you can get an appointment?
Have you quit smiling? Maybe it’s because you’re embarrassed that your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like. When your teeth become discolored, it can be a reason to hide them in embarrassment. Let’s find out some of the reasons why your teeth lose their luster.
Age
The color of your teeth and your age are directly related. Teeth darken from use and stain buildup. The older you get, the more stubborn the stains become. That means that teeth whitening results are less dramatic and immediate the older you are.
Original color
Each person starts with a natural color of their teeth, which changes over time. Staining is more evident on some tooth colors than others. Also, some original colors respond better to whitening procedures than others.
Genetic traits
Teeth have traits like how thin they are or how clear, or translucent, they are. These traits get more obvious as you age. Thin teeth, most often occurring on the front teeth, are more difficult to whiten. Thick, opaque teeth look lighter in color and respond better to whitening.
Damage to teeth
People who grind their teeth often develop minor cracks in their teeth. That can lead to teeth that are darker on the edges. Trauma to the teeth from injuries may create large cracks, which attract even bigger amounts of staining.
Diet
Consuming foods and drinks that are known to discolor teeth can cause considerable staining over time. Red wine, tea, cola, coffee, and berries are some of the major culprits. Also, acidic foods like citrus fruits can erode tooth enamel. This causes the yellow-colored dentin of your teeth to become more visible.
Smoking and drug use
Nicotine leaves a brown film on your teeth that soaks in and discolors them. Some drugs like tetracycline are known to stain teeth, and can be very difficult to remove.
