Are Discolored Teeth a Health Concern?

Discolored teeth are problematic in terms of smile quality. However, teeth stains can also cause related health problems or at least contribute to such problems. So do not assume your discolored teeth are a problem insofar as they reduce the quality of your smile. Discolored teeth have the potential to impact your health as well.

Health Problems Tied to Discolored Teeth

Inadequate oral hygiene or the failure to visit with the dentist every six months will cause the teeth to yellow in hue. Plaque and tartar will accumulate, causing tooth decay, gum disease and more oral health issues. Discolored teeth often contain cavities. Cavities are tiny holes in teeth that damage their structure. Discolored teeth can also cause gingivitis, which involves bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis occurs when bacteria along the teeth generate harmful toxins that damage the gums.

Discolored teeth and halitosis go hand-in-hand. Halitosis, also known as bad breath, occurs when bacteria is permitted to grow within the mouth. This bacteria has the potential to cause everything from teeth staining to dry mouth, sinus infections, bronchitis, liver or kidney issues, acid reflux and other conditions. Poor oral hygiene that causes discolored teeth can also lead to the formation of abscesses. Abscesses that form along the teeth, spur considerable pain and difficulty, especially when chewing.

Discolored Teeth are a Sign of Myriad Health Problems

Aside from the oral health issues noted above, discolored teeth can also indicate a number of additional health problems. In some cases, discolored teeth are a lead-in to another health condition, disease or malady. As an example, discolored teeth are often a sign of celiac disease. This is a disease in which the immune system interacts with gluten.

People who have diabetes, typically have a weak immune system. A weak immune system makes a person that much more susceptible to gum disease. If gum disease does not receive proper treatment, it will cause periodontal disease. Periodontitis makes it challenging to control blood sugar.

The failure to control blood sugar makes it that much more likely for an individual to develop type-2 diabetes. Once the gums weaken, it is easier for bacteria to move into the bloodstream and impact the immune system, causing higher blood sugar levels and other problems.

Discolored Teeth can Even Cause Respiratory Diseases

Teeth will yellow if the individual does not eliminate the stains in a timely manner. Stains remaining on the teeth are essentially bacteria that stays in the mouth and causes gum disease, lung issues, etc. In fact, lung infections will worsen if the teeth remain discolored. This is especially important for elderly individuals who might end up with pneumonia after bacteria from the teeth compromises the lungs.

Request an appointment in our Livermore dentist office here: https://www.drtimhubbs.com.

Recent Posts

Professional Dental Cleaning Quick Guide

A dental cleaning is a preventative treatment that can protect teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. The treatment is performed to remove plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth surfaces. It is made up of bacteria, acids and food particles, and it eats away at teeth surfaces.…

What A Dental Exam Entails

Undergoing a dental exam at least twice a year is important for patients of all ages. A lot of oral health problems go unnoticed because they are symptomless or the signs are so minuscule that only a professional can identify them. Because of this, it is essential to visit a general dentist to undergo dental…

Oral Exams And Gum Disease: Why Regular Appointments Are Needed

Learning the importance of oral exams is essential when it comes to preventing a gum disease diagnosis. This is why current recommendations state that all dental patients need to make regular dental appointments. An oral exam requires a dental professional to thoroughly examine your mouth in order to see if there any problems related to…

When Should You See A Dentist For Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry deals with dental procedures to prevent dental issues, and it is critical for anybody who wants to keep their natural teeth for the rest of their life. Dentists used to spend most of their time treating dental issues rather than preventing them.Due to people's overly busy schedules, it is easy to put off…


Recent Posts

Keep Your Tooth Enamel With Dental Lumineers

Keep Your Tooth Enamel With Dental Lumineers

Dental lumineers are a popular choice for people who want to enhance their smile and cover up any unsightly dental issues, such as chipped teeth or discoloration. Veneers are typically considered the go-to option for such issues; however, they provide a significant amount of coverage that not every patient requires. For less severe dental problems…

Dentist Near Me: What To Look For In A Practice

Dentist Near Me: What To Look For In A Practice

Are you searching for a "dentist near me"? Read on to learn more about choosing a dental health professional. If you are in a new location or just need to find a new "dentist near me," you will probably need to explore a couple of options. Finding a good dentist requires you to do your…