Why Do Teeth Change Color?
Throughout our life, we can notice how the teeth change color. However, many times we do not pay attention to this fact because we think that it has to do in part with the modifications in the body during growth; in fact, the alteration in the tonality of the teeth goes beyond that.
Appearance and characteristics of teeth
The first teeth, called baby teeth, appear on the gums of babies at around five months of age. Of course, some may take longer than others. In their totality there are twenty pieces; ten of them are located at the top and the same number at the bottom.
These twenty teeth are divided into incisors – which are the most visible teeth in the mouth -, canines – also called fangs – and molars. Between the ages of six and seven, three to four more molars appear.
These molars do not move, so they are the most prone to cavities and noticeable discoloration. At this age, baby teeth also fall out and permanent teeth appear.
Wisdom teeth, or also called wisdom teeth, can appear at any time, they do not have a specific age. Their arrival is painful, since they push the other existing pieces due to lack of space; the worst thing is that the specialist ends up extracting them, since they are useless.
All teeth are made up of a visible part, called the crown, and an invisible part, which is the root; the latter is immersed in the part of the maxilla called the alveolus.
When do teeth change color?
There are numerous causes for discoloration of teeth. Among the most common and prominent, we find:
Trauma
Often the teeth change color , -especially the upper parts delanteras-, being exposed to shocks and falls. In general, the shades they adopt range from gray to brown or dark yellow.
Cavities
When there is no proper cleaning of the mouth or a good use of the toothbrush, darkening of the teeth can occur. This is because there are calcified bacteria called cavities that lodge in them. One of the most dangerous consequences of its presence is the loss of the tooth.
Food or medicine
Some foods that are high in colorants — such as soda and condiments — or high in iron stain teeth. Traces of these substances tend to remain attached to the teeth for a long time, making them very difficult to remove.
Tobacco
Given its high nicotine content and the smoke that enters the mouth, cigarettes tend to cause staining of teeth. Smokers do serious damage to their teeth, not only in terms of discoloration, but also decreases blood flow to the gums. These, therefore, are more prone to periodontal diseases.
Tips to prevent teeth from changing color
It is always better to be safe than correct. Therefore, follow these simple measures to prevent teeth from changing their color:
- Use all teeth to chew: It is the only thing that strengthens the gums.
- Eat a well chewed apple before going to bed: You can also eat it after brushing.
- Avoid excessive consumption of chocolates and sweets in general: These contribute to the formation of cavities and, therefore, to the discoloration of the teeth.
- If you are a frequent tobacco or cigarette smoker, rub a fresh sage leaf or a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide on your teeth.
- Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best toothpastes: Soda perborate is the same substance but in powder form; You can use it on toothpaste to enhance its whitening effect.
- The teeth change color when the toothbrush is not used correctly: In this sense, you must have two of these, since one will be used dry to clean the oral cavity and, later, another with its respective toothpaste.
The factors that can produce a change in the color of the teeth are so common that, in general, we ignore them and it becomes daily for us to mistreat our teeth. It is important to rescue good oral hygiene every day, not only for aesthetic reasons, but for all the negative implications on general health that we could have if we did not do it.
