Photo by shotbyscott on Flickr
“Filipinos have generally yellowish-white teeth,” said Dr. Ben Reyes, a dentist.This means that the tooth surface near the gum line appears yellowish while gradually whitening towards the biting surface. This, he said, is because the enamel or the outermost layer of the tooth is thickest at the biting surface and gradually thins out at the gum area.
The enamel is translucent and the thinner portion partly shows the color of the second layer of the tooth, called the dentin, which appears yellow. As one gets older, the enamel surface thins out brought about by the natural wear and tear. Thus, it is but normal to have yellowish teeth.
Just like the bone, nutrient deficiencies as well as the intake of medicines and other substances affect tooth structures and contribute to discolorization.
Calcium deficiency produces malformed crystal structures within the enamel causing it to demineralise. Losing vital minerals gives off a chalky white but dull appearance. Demineralization can also be hastened by the intake of acidic diet including softdrinks or sodas which contain phosphoric acid.
Intake of drugs, especially tetracycline (a broad spectrum of antibiotics) during pregnancy also affects the development of tooth structures of the unborn child. When the milk teeth of the baby erupt at approximately eight months, greyish horizontal stripes may be present. This condition will persist even with the permanent teeth.
In areas where fluoride is over-abundant, the intake of high concentration of fluoride levels in drinking water may also affect the teeth. This condition is known as fluorosis which exhibits striations of white and chalky enamel.
Smoking produces nicotine stains which range from yellow to brownish black discoloration on the surface of the teeth. Providing manual oral cleaning for patients who are heavy smokers is one of the worst nightmares for dentists.
Other developmental abnormalities exhibits poorly developed tooth structures. Some have irregular enamel growths, some have minimal enamel covering.
When confronted with these discolorization problems, the best thing you can do is to visit the dentist for appropriate assessment of your condition and the necessary treatment for it. Many dental procedures cost a lot. So the best thing you can do is to take time to practice good oral hygiene, observe proper diet and stop smoking or any tobacco use.
And guys, if your wife or mother or sister is pregnant, tell them to be aware that what they do to, or take in, their body will ultimately affect every aspect of their child’s development, including tooth structures. They must observe proper diet and be wary of drug intake without doctor’s advice. Upon birth,the oral cavity of the baby should be cleaned using a clean gauze and water even if no tooth has erupted.
“Filipinos have generally yellowish-white teeth,” said Dr. Ben Reyes, a dentist.This means that the tooth surface near the gum line appears yellowish while gradually whitening towards the biting surface. This, he said, is because the enamel or the outermost layer of the tooth is thickest at the biting surface and gradually thins out at the gum area.
The enamel is translucent and the thinner portion partly shows the color of the second layer of the tooth, called the dentin, which appears yellow. As one gets older, the enamel surface thins out brought about by the natural wear and tear. Thus, it is but normal to have yellowish teeth.
Just like the bone, nutrient deficiencies as well as the intake of medicines and other substances affect tooth structures and contribute to discolorization.
Calcium deficiency produces malformed crystal structures within the enamel causing it to demineralise. Losing vital minerals gives off a chalky white but dull appearance. Demineralization can also be hastened by the intake of acidic diet including softdrinks or sodas which contain phosphoric acid.
Intake of drugs, especially tetracycline (a broad spectrum of antibiotics) during pregnancy also affects the development of tooth structures of the unborn child. When the milk teeth of the baby erupt at approximately eight months, greyish horizontal stripes may be present. This condition will persist even with the permanent teeth.
In areas where fluoride is over-abundant, the intake of high concentration of fluoride levels in drinking water may also affect the teeth. This condition is known as fluorosis which exhibits striations of white and chalky enamel.
Smoking produces nicotine stains which range from yellow to brownish black discoloration on the surface of the teeth. Providing manual oral cleaning for patients who are heavy smokers is one of the worst nightmares for dentists.
Other developmental abnormalities exhibits poorly developed tooth structures. Some have irregular enamel growths, some have minimal enamel covering.
When confronted with these discolorization problems, the best thing you can do is to visit the dentist for appropriate assessment of your condition and the necessary treatment for it. Many dental procedures cost a lot. So the best thing you can do is to take time to practice good oral hygiene, observe proper diet and stop smoking or any tobacco use.
And guys, if your wife or mother or sister is pregnant, tell them to be aware that what they do to, or take in, their body will ultimately affect every aspect of their child’s development, including tooth structures. They must observe proper diet and be wary of drug intake without doctor’s advice. Upon birth,the oral cavity of the baby should be cleaned using a clean gauze and water even if no tooth has erupted.