Everything you need to know about teeth whitening
Over time, everyone will notice some form of discoloration on their teeth. This can range from the teeth losing their shine and brightness to the appearance of stains and a total change in color.
The main reasons for this change are explained below.
Drinks and food
Food and drinks with high color pigments such as red wine, tea and coffee are some of the major contributors. The pigments attach to the enamel of the tooth (the white outer area) and cause discoloration.
Smoking
Nicotine and tar, two major components of tobacco, cause staining. Tar is a black substance; nicotine, when mixed with oxygen, becomes a yellowish-brown substance.
Age
As we age, and due to normal everyday function and wear, the tooth enamel becomes thinner. Dentine, which is the inner layer and which is more yellow, will start to show more.
Trauma to teeth
Sometimes, teeth that go through trauma (for example, a blow to the face from an accident or a fall) undergo color changes. These changes may be due to a natural process where more layers of dentine is placed on the tooth, or simply because the tooth dies.
Medications
Some medications, such as certain antihistamines, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can cause tooth discoloration.
Also some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, when given at a young age, can cause staining and discoloration of teeth.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also contribute to darkening of the teeth.