Our teeth are one of the cornerstones of our lives — and our health, too. Our overall health can be affected by our oral health, so it’s important to stick to your daily oral hygiene regimen of twice-daily brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing alone aren’t enough to keep your teeth perfect — you have to pay attention to what ends up in your mouth!
Shiva Salehi, DDS at Madison Family Dental Practice in Fair Oaks, CA, understands how everyday life can affect the color of your teeth and how to help you get the brightness of your smile back. Discolored teeth can affect your self-confidence, your oral health, and your overall health.
What causes discolored teeth?
Several things can cause discolored teeth. Your diet plays an integral role in your oral health, and without proper care, your teeth can reflect your diet. If you frequently consume acidic foods and drinks, you’re at increased risk of discolored teeth. Some foods that cause discolored teeth include:
- Coffee and tea
- Soy sauces, tomato sauces, and curry sauces
- Dark soda
Infections can cause discolored teeth. If you have a cavity, the infected tooth pulp may cause your tooth to look dark yellow or brown. Advanced tooth decay may cause your affected tooth to look purple or black. In the case of gingivitis, you might notice pain before you notice that you have a discolored tooth.
Certain medications can cause your teeth to yellow or discolor, including some antibiotics. Another huge cause of discolored teeth is nicotine use. Chewing tobacco is particularly harsh on your teeth, but cigars, cigarettes, and pipes are filled with chemicals that may not only stain your teeth, but threaten your longevity.
Can a crown change the color of my tooth?
A crown, or a cap, is a tiny device customized to fit your tooth to protect your natural tooth. Crowns can be used in several types of dental procedures, including procedures that involve more than one crown. If you have more than one discolored or stained tooth in a row, you may need a bridge to complete your smile and protect your teeth and jaw.
Several types of crowns can be created for you, depending on where your discolored tooth is located. Dr. Salehi determines which type of crown is right for you, and your oral health needs.
Dr. Salehi normally uses these noticeable solutions for crowns that cover your molars. These crowns are durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for your back teeth, where you do your hardest chewing.
With the toughness of metal and the look of ceramic, these crowns can give you a more natural look while staying intact more effectively than ceramic crowns. Despite this, they are still more fragile than all-metal crowns and can slip up, revealing the metal portion.
Ceramic crowns are usually reserved for chips on your front teeth. They don’t have the strength of the all-metal crowns, but they are an attractive solution for a natural-looking result.
If your tooth is discolored because of an infection, Dr. Salehi treats your infection and protects your natural teeth and gums before applying your crown.
What can I do to keep my teeth white?
Keeping your teeth white doesn’t have to be hard — keeping your daily dental hygiene routine is a great start. Choose teeth-friendly foods, like apples, nuts, and cheese, and cut back on your sugar intake. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor about quitting safely. If your teeth are discolored, call us today at 916-226-4635, or book an appointment with us online.