What Causes Teeth to Lose Their Whiteness and What You Can Do About It

Noticing your teeth aren’t as bright and white as they used to be isn’t anything to smile about. Over time, teeth can lose their luster, and your daily habits may contribute to your less-than-perfect smile.

Denis Mustedanagic, DMC of ME Dental Spa in West Hollywood, California, knows what it takes to make a smile great. That’s why he offers several in-office services, including professional teeth whitening and dental cleanings, to restore the luster of your teeth and bring back your pearly white smile. He also offers insight into what may cause your dull, discolored teeth.

The many causes of tooth discoloration

There are several reasons your teeth may look less than they can. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:

Poor oral hygiene

For many people, the ultimate cause of tooth discoloration is neglect of overall oral hygiene. To keep your smile white and bright, Dr. Mustedanagic recommends brushing and flossing at least two times a day to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. 

You also need a routine dental cleaning every six months to eliminate food particles and plaque that at-home brushing misses.

Regular use of tooth-staining products

Your daily habits can both trigger and worsen tooth discoloration and dullness. If you smoke or chew tobacco, not only does your risk for serious diseases like cancer increase, but the habit is also going to stain the outer layer of your teeth enamel.

When you frequently consume staining foods or drinks, like beets, wine, and coffee, you’re more likely to have dingy, stained teeth.

Inner enamel damage

The inner layer of your teeth’s enamel can be damaged over time, mainly if you use certain medications daily that can harm the enamel. These medications may include beta blockers for high blood pressure, antidepressants for mental health issues, and antihistamines for allergies.

If you sustain an injury to your tooth, such as a crack or a chip, it can lead to discoloration in the underlying enamel.

Other possible causes for tooth discoloration include:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Overuse of fluoride
• Dental restoration materials (fillings)

While you may feel embarrassed by your yellowed, dull-looking teeth, Dr. Mustedanagic can work closely with you on a treatment plan to restore the vitality of your smile.

Treatment options for discolored teeth

Addressing discoloration in your teeth isn’t something you should put off for long. The earlier you seek Dr. Mustedanagic’s help whitening and brightening your teeth, the better your results will be. Waiting too long can lead to permanent staining and possible tooth damage that requires more invasive treatments.

Early care options for tooth discoloration available at ME Dental Spa include:

Routine dental checkups

One of the most important things you can do for your smile and overall dental health is to schedule and follow through with your routine dental checkups. Typically, a visit to ME Dental Spa every six months is optimal for protecting the appearance and health of your teeth.

During your routine visit, Dr. Mustedanagic examines your oral health and identifies issues that may lead to tooth discoloration and decay. Early detection of underlying dental issues can then be addressed quickly to prevent a worsening of your condition.

Following your checkup, you can expect to receive thorough, professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque buildup and restore the natural luster of your tooth enamel.

Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening services can restore the whiteness, brightness, and natural beauty of your teeth instantly. Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, in-office whitening can achieve much better results.

ME Dental Spa offers in-office teeth whitening, along with professional-grade take home whitening kits so you can maintain your brightest smile. 

So, if you’re ready to show off a whiter, brighter smile, contact ME Dental Spa today.