Dental hygiene is important, as is taking pride in your “pearly whites.”
But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, due to various factors causing discoloration.
Dr. Ronald Santana, chief science and development officer at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the “staining or darkening of teeth” due to internal or external factors.
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“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by color changes in tooth enamel due to external factors such as smoking, foods or drinks including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said. said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Intrinsic discoloration affects dental dentin and is caused by certain medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma, and certain illnesses (liver disease).”
A dentist’s rule is: “If it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth.” » (iStock)
Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that many factors can cause tooth discoloration.
Although there is “no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional,” the expert said that diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, Thin enamel and wear on teeth from grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.
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“A good rule of thumb is if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” she told Fox News Digital.
Santana and Fraundorf offered seven tips for making your teeth whiter and brighter.
1. Develop an oral care routine
Fraundorf recommended brushing your teeth at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using toothpaste containing fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).
“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage enamel over time and make teeth darker,” she said.
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“Turn mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she added.
While some people might feel inclined to try at-home teeth whitening remedies, Santana emphasized that “caution should be taken in choosing a safe and effective approach to at-home teeth whitening.”
Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)
“Avoid trying at-home approaches before seeing a dentist, as some substances can damage tooth enamel,” he cautions.
“Proper” tooth brushing is an “effective” way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.
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“Brushing your teeth with correct brushing technique, using a whitening toothpaste, and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources for reducing tooth discoloration.”
Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, using water floss to remove plaque, and using a tongue scraper daily to…
