Human teeth are composed of a number of hard substances that include dentin, calcium and other minerals, with dentin forming the major constituent. These hard materials protect the pulp that contain blood vessels, which are attached to the gum and form the basis of equipping the tooth to feel sensations and pain. Over the hard material is yet another layer called the enamel, which provides the pearly white coloration to the teeth.

Over a period of time, the constant chewing, gnawing and natural acids and sugars within the foods that we eat constantly attack the enamel. For the most part, the regular brushing of teeth keeps this deterioration in check since not only do we use fine abrasives within the toothpaste to remove dirt and gently polish the teeth, but toothpaste also provides the small levels of fluoride that the teeth enamel requires to regenerate and stay healthy. However, sooner or later, the layer of enamel gets worn down and results in the discoloration of teeth.

While age is a significant contributing factor in tooth discoloration, there are certain kinds of foods, drinks and other material we ingest that cause significant acceleration in this deterioration of the enamel layer, or in certain cases cause specific staining on our teeth.

Certain antibiotics have a marked effect on our teeth. These include the use of tetracycline, a low concentration antibiotic commonly prescribed for persistent skin ailments. The minerals within tetracycline can cause a fair amount of tooth staining as these minerals are absorbed in our body and get represented as teeth stains as they are transmitted though the blood vessels in our gum. This type of discoloration is deeper than most other discoloration since it comes from within the tooth. Excessive use of fluoride can also cause similar discolorations.

Other contributing factors that result in tooth staining are more common elements such as regular consumption of dark soda drinks, dark wines, coffees and teas. Similarly, foods high in certain kinds of acids – such as malic acid and citric acid that is common in oranges, apples and strawberries can also cause staining on teeth since the acid tends to directly attack the enamel and in due course cause staining. It is to be noted that only a consistently high consumption of these natural fruits will cause eventual discoloration.

Smoking and use of tobacco products is a leading cause of tooth discoloration, which is evidenced by the strong presence of tooth related products especially meant for tobacco users, such as ‘smoker's toothpaste'. The presence of nicotine in tobacco product eventually causes it to be deposited in slow but steady layers onto your teeth, eventually resulting in stains and discolorations. Given the front teeth's topical exposure to the highest amount of nicotine during the smoking of a cigarette, these teeth are the most susceptible to smoke-related discoloration.

It is important to remember that using strong abrasives on teeth over a period of time can also result in the corrosion of the enamel layer and result in discoloration.

In virtually all cases, teeth whitening processes can be effectively used to counter these stains and discoloration.

If you found this article useful, visit us at The Essayist, Internets Premier Research and Writing Service.