How to Prevent Your Teeth from Becoming Discolored

Published May 22, 2010

There are many reasons why teeth can become discolored. Sometimes this is due to poor hygiene or some of the habits that we live with each day such as the consumption of tea, coffee, tobacco, and soda. However, there are other causes of teeth discoloration that go way beyond those just mentioned. Some are within our control and some are not. We will touch on those that may be within our control.

The problem that most of us have is that by the time we begin to notice that our teeth are becoming discolored, we now may need a bit of preliminary work before cosmetic procedures can begin. Any dental disease that may have been allowed to progress between visits just might be the culprit behind your tooth discoloration. Here are a few of the patient induced problems underlying dental disease and the subsequent tooth discoloration that may result.

Drugs, More Drugs, and Drug Abuse

Certain prescription drugs such as antidepressants, antihistamines, steroids, blood pressure meds, diuretics, cancer therapy drugs, and oral contraceptives have all been demonstrated to increase our chances of developing gum disease. Abuse of both prescription drugs as well as use of illegal drugs is a different story altogether and is unfortunately part of our culture these days.

Recent studies have shown that over 12 million Americans over 12 years of age have used methamphetamine. This in itself is a staggering statistic until you realize that this number is more than 5 percent of the U.S. population. It is not only our nation’s health that is at risk but we are causing damage to our teeth that is irreversible.

Dentists that are treating the teeth of meth users for instance, are coming back with reports of teeth that are stained, black, rotting, and crumbling. Meth is highly acidic and significantly reduces the mouth’s ability to produce saliva. Meth causes users to grind their teeth and induces insatiable sugar cravings.

Does Body Piercing Lead to Teeth Discoloration?

Most folks might not realize the degree to which oral body piercing could play a part in dental disease and teeth discoloration. Risk factors from infected lesions on any part of your body is definitely not a good thing. Open sores anywhere on the body and especially the mouth make an ideal breeding ground for harmful and dangerous bacteria.

Even though there is greater risk of deadly infection at the time of the piercing, continued movement of the oral jewelery that occurs by virtue of continued movement of your mouth throughout the day carries its own risks of infection. By simply having oral jewelery rub against the inside of your mouth, you risk damaging the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. This assault may eventually result in you watching your gums recede.

The constant rubbing of a foreign object against your teeth can wear away at your natural enamel or damage any veneers that had been applied as cosmetic. And as modern dentistry is beginning to realize, any type of oral jewelery will sooner or later create an unhealthy environment for your healthy teeth.

Keeping your teeth pearly white is most often within your control. The key is to stay on top of your dental care and to schedule regular consultations with your dentist.

Debbie Parkinson is a free lance writer researching and writing on various topics. Debbie’s passions are health and pets. Learn more about providing shelter for your dogs by visiting her website on Large Dog Houses and Indoor Dog House

How to Prevent Your Teeth from Becoming Discolored

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