When asked if they’d prefer to show off a beautifully white smile or a discoloured one, most, if not all, respondents will say that they want the former.
How your smile looks is an essential factor when it comes to making a great first impression and feeling confident in yourself. Did you know that infections and foods that leave behind stains aren’t the only causes of tooth discoloration? When specific vitamins and minerals are absent from your body or if there is a deficiency, this can also cause your teeth to appear more yellow.
Consuming a balanced diet of fruit, veggies, and dairy, amongst other things, is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums and optimal general health.
Our dentist in Saskatoon is here to assist you and your family with your smiles; whether you’re interested in acquiring teeth whitening in Saskatoon or a routine cleaning, whatever type of treatment you want to explore or may require, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today.
Vitamin Deficiencies Explained
As the name illustrates, a vitamin deficiency arises when your body doesn’t consume enough of one or several vitamins. Common symptoms that people can experience include the following:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
- Dry skin
- Smile discoloration
Regarding stained smiles, it is crucial to remember that a lack of vitamins is not the only reason it can occur. Other factors that can lead to yellow or darkened teeth are genetics, aging, tobacco use (smoking or chewing), consuming particular food and drink (i.e., berries, tomato sauces, tea, coffee, and soda), and oral infections.
With all that said, discoloration is most commonly caused by a vitamin deficiency, namely A, C, and D.
Vitamin A
This vitamin helps keep your immune system strong and functioning. It also helps stop periodontal (gum) disease from forming. An absence of Vitamin A in the body can contribute to a dry mouth, which means a lack of saliva production. Saliva washes away debris and bacteria that can harm your teeth; when not present, harmful debris can build up on your teeth and gums, leading to cavities and, if left untreated, tooth loss.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, as it forms the various connective tissues within your body. As with Vitamin A, lacking this vitamin can also encourage gum disease and the potentially dangerous effects that can arise alongside it.
Vitamin D
Third, this vitamin helps keep your smile strong. Vitamin D plays a role in your body’s ability to absorb calcium, which comes from dairy products like milk and cheese. If you’re severely lacking in Vitamin D, you may experience bone loss and loose teeth.
Sunlight also provides you with Vitamin D, which means that, during the colder months when it is minimal, many people experience Vitamin D deficiency.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a vitamin deficiency and that it may be a factor in the discoloration of your smile, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Saskatoon. They’ll be able to answer all your queries.
Shades of Tooth Discoloration
Your teeth may look yellow, brown, or even grey, depending on your situation. The reasons for the manifestation of each of these colours are explained in detail below:
- Yellow – An amalgamation of plaque and tartar typically leads to yellow teeth. Most dentists are familiar with this issue and can help address it by performing routine dental cleaning. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day at home can also help reduce the prevalence of stains.
- Brown – Smoking is what usually contributes to brown teeth. In other instances, taking certain medications or being exposed to excess fluoride may also lead to the browning of teeth.
- Grey – Unfortunately, grey teeth are most readily caused by aging, a natural process that we cannot stop.
Ways to Brighten Up Your Smile
Nevertheless, multiple methods are available to help illuminate your smile to a noticeable degree. Though opting for professional or at-home teeth whitening are the two treatments most patients prefer, acquiring porcelain veneers and even dental bonding can help manage this issue too.
To determine which process is best for your case, consult your dentist in Saskatoon before proceeding. They will examine your teeth and oral cavity physically and, if needed, with X-rays. They will also talk to you about your personal preferences, medical/dental history, and what your expectations are. Most dental professionals advise in-office whitening as the most effective, but it ultimately depends on the patient’s situation and budget.
Alongside receiving dental care, there are some strategies that you can do at home to promote a bright and healthy smile:
Increasing your intake of other complimentary vitamins:
Phosphorus, found in meat like chicken and fish, eggs, and certain nuts, aids in maintaining healthy teeth and preventing bone deterioration. Taking daily supplements is also very effective.
Try at-home solutions
At-home whitening treatments can be effective, though they don’t produce results that last as long as in-office whitening. Many of these options use natural ingredients which won’t harm your body. Examples include brushing with toothpaste and baking soda, rinsing your mouth with apple cider vinegar, and rubbing banana or lemon peels on your teeth.
Visit your dentist often
Attending biannual dental cleanings and checkups is one of the most successful ways to illuminate your teeth. Your dentist can scrub away stains and freshen your breath with specific tools. They can also provide you with additional tips.
Brush and floss every day
Not only is the method affordable, but it’s also effortless and painless! Cleaning your teeth twice a day at least is a fantastic way to look after your smile and ensure that any surrounding tissues and structures stay healthy too.
Lastly, it is crucial to remember that, despite what you may read online or see on TV, our smiles are not naturally bright white; don’t let celebrities fool you. The colour of our teeth ranges from a dull white down to a faint yellow.
Get in Touch with Our Dental Experts!
If you’re ready to finally get started and obtain the beautiful smile of your dreams, we encourage you to reach out to our staff here at Meadows Dental. Whether you require more information or want to select a time to get teeth whitening, you can reach us via phone or email or visit our dentist in Saskatoon.
You deserve to fall in love with your smile every day, and we want to walk alongside you on your dental journey. Talk with us today!