Top 5 Factors That Increase the Risk of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration has become a growing issue among people of all ages. It has been estimated that over 80% of adults experience some degree of tooth discoloration in their lifetime, and the earlier it is experienced, the more likely it is to cause long-term issues. Tooth discoloration can affect how people expect to look in public, how they feel inside themselves, and ultimately their happiness. 

The good news is that tooth discoloration can be prevented through simple dietary changes and professional teeth whitening. You can visit a Fishers, Indiana family dental care clinic to understand the root cause of your tooth discoloration and get effective treatment.

Let us now see into the main factors that increase the risk of tooth discoloration.

• Smoking and chewing tobacco

Tobacco products are responsible for an estimated 20% of tooth discoloration cases. If you are a smoker, you will notice that your teeth begin to become stained as the day goes by. Unfortunately, smoking also contributes to an excessive level of saliva and accumulation of food debris next to the teeth. It is, therefore, not surprising that smokers have a higher rate of tooth discoloration than nonsmokers do.

• Genetics

Some people are just more prone to tooth discoloration than others. It is believed that genetics plays a big part in the way teeth take on color. In some cases, it can be traced back several generations to see how far this issue goes.

• Dietary choices

Your diet plays a big role in enamel and dentin health. If you eat a diet filled with too many acidic foods, such as soft drinks and other acidic products, your tooth enamel may be at risk. You should also limit the intake of foods high in sugar, such as candy and baked goods. Food additives have also been found to be a contributing factor to tooth discoloration.

• Taking certain medications

Certain medications can also be a contributing factor to tooth discoloration. This includes over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as antacids and laxatives. Your dentist can be a big help in keeping track of which medications can cause this problem.

• Trauma from accident or injury

Accidental injury, such as a fall or a slip and fall, can cause tooth discoloration. It can also be the result of some medical conditions that affect your mouth, such as osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease.