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Teeth whitening is a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry procedure, considering how many facets of life conspire to discolor our teeth. Some level of discoloration is pretty much unavoidable no matter how careful you are, so it helps to know exactly what you're up against on a daily basis. Residents of Pearl City and Honolulu, HI, turn to Oahu Dental Care for teeth whitening and much more—all backed by over 25 years of care. They'll be there when you really need to brighten your smile, but what are the leading causes of discoloration in the first place? 

While the following can be broken up into countless sub-categories, you'll want to be on the lookout for:

The Top 3 Causes Of Teeth Discoloration

1. Staining From Food & Drinks

When most of us think about discolored teeth, it's typically the extrinsic causes that come to mind. This includes staining on the outer layer, or the enamel, due to drinks like coffee, soda, and wine, as well as certain foods. Smoking is a similarly notorious habit that tends to push people toward teeth whitening procedures. 

2. Intrinsic Discoloration

Intrinsic discoloration affects the inner structure of teeth, also known as the dentin. There are many factors that cause the area to yellow or darken, including early exposure to tetracycline antibiotics and excess fluoride. Those who experienced childhood tooth trauma and those born with a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are also at risk.  

3. Age-Related Factors

teeth whiteningAccording to Colgate's Oral Care Center, both extrinsic and intrinsic factors come into play as we get older. Years of staining may take effect on the extrinsic side, while a yellowed dentin can show through as tooth enamel thins out with age. Discoloration also has the potential to rear its head if teeth are chipped or damaged in certain ways. 

Taking hereditary factors and other underlying causes into account will give you a much better understanding of why your teeth are discolored. When you're ready to make a change, contact the friendly, relaxed dentists at Oahu Dental Care. Head to their website to learn more about their team and services, and call them at (808) 456-5005 to schedule an appointment today. 

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