The Unexpected Reason For Your Discolored Teeth

Grandma always said you aren't fully dressed without a smile, and she was right.  A brilliant smile is the essence of beauty, and each year, Americans spend over 1.4 billion dollars on teeth whitening products to achieve it.  But what causes stained teeth in the first place?

You probably already know that vices like coffee, cigarettes, and blueberry pie can wreak havoc on your pearly whites.  However, you may not be aware that some of the worst offenders reside in a seemingly-virtuous place: the medicine cabinet.  Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can dramatically alter your teeth, causing temporary or permanent staining.  

Here's a look at some of the most common medicines that moonlight as smile saboteurs--and ideas on how to fight back.

ANTIHISTAMINES

If you suffer from allergies, your itchy eyes and runny nose probably love your antihistamine; your teeth may disagree.  Over-the-counter antihistamines, like Benadryl, can discolor your smile.  However, because the staining is usually on the surface of the teeth, you have several treatment options.

Good oral hygiene can help offset the staining effect of medicines like Benadryl, and it should be your first line of defense.  If using a liquid antihistamine, make sure you rinse your mouth immediately after taking it.  Additionally, regular brushing and flossing will be crucial in protecting your smile.  You should also see a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. 

If antihistamine-related tooth discoloration persists, whitening gels can be very effective.  Talk to your dentist; they may recommend you try an at-home kit.  The kit usually contains carbamid peroxide, a mild bleaching agent which is used with a custom-fitted bleaching tray.  You will need to wear the whitening trays for 30 to 60 minutes each day, and it will take a few weeks to achieve results. 

If you'd like quicker results, you can opt for in-office bleaching.  In this procedure, your dentist will employ a concentrated hydrogen peroxide product that is activated using a powerful light.  The peroxide works rapidly--the process takes about an hour--and the results are dramatic.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES

If you have high blood pressure, taking your medication is a necessity.  Unfortunately, some hypertension prescriptions can cause changes in the teeth. A yellowed smile is common in people who use antihypertensives, but it does not have to be permanent.

Begin by discussing your medicine with your dentist.  There may be other prescriptions available that will effectively treat your high blood pressure without dental side effects.   The best medicine is preventative! 

If your high blood pressure medication created mild staining, you may be able to bleach your teeth back to their natural color.  However, because this kind of stain tends to penetrate deeper into the tooth, you may need more aggressive options.

One popular treatment for more dense staining is dental bonding.  In this procedure, a composite resin is applied to the teeth, covering the stains.  The dentist will begin by roughing up the surface of your teeth so the resin can adhere properly.  Then a thin layer of the putty-like substance is molded and shaped onto the surface of each tooth.  It is sculpted in place then hardened with an ultra violet light.  After polishing, it will be indistinguishable from a natural tooth.  

It is a simple, affordable process that you can complete in a single visit, and it produces beautiful results. 

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and doxycycline, are known for discoloring teeth. Children under the age of 8 are at the greatest risk, but it can happen to adults, too, especially if they use a high dose of the drug or take it for a lengthy period.  The medicine bonds with the calcium in teeth, changing the color of the dentin inside the tooth.  This molecular change creates an unattractive, permanent stain. Affected teeth can look uniformly gray, yellow, or brown, or they may be spotted or striped with dark marks. 

Because the discoloration is from actual changes inside of the tooth, it can be very difficult to remove.  Traditional whitening treatments, like professional cleanings or bleaching, can be tried, but they usually don't work.  However, you still have options available. 

Dental veneers, a thin, porcelain shell that covers the surface of the tooth, are the most common treatment for this kind of blemish.  The dentist will carefully shave down and shape your tooth, and then permanently bond the veneer in place.  The process is painless, and the result looks perfectly natural.  Veneers are long lasting, and they can completely rehabilitate your smile. 

If your smile is not all you want it to be, talk to a dentist with experience in cosmetic procedures (such as Clendenon Kirby DDS) about the medicines you take and the options available to you.  With proper care, even the most tarnished smile can be returned to its former glory.