Discoloration of teeth can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Inadequate oral hygiene can results in deposits on the teeth resulting in yellowish teeth. Certain stain causing food, beverages and use of tobacco products can cause teeth to discolor. Some discoloration can be developmental due to use of medication or presence of too much Fluoride in the drinking water. Injury to teeth can cause internal bleeding resulting in discolored teeth. Teeth also become darker with age.

Dry Mouth (also called xerostomia) is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough saliva. It can feel uncomfortable and sometimes be bothersome. Dry mouth can be due to certain health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases. Dry mouth can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include not drinking enough fluids, sleeping with mouth open, dry hot weather, eating dry foods, or medication side effects. Saliva is also very important in fighting tooth decay.

TOOTH DECAY is a preventable oral infection. Carbohydrate/ Sugar-rich foods, such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices, leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The bacteria in plaque with sugars help forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of Enamel and erode away at tooth structure, resulting in tooth decay. Saliva neutralizes the acid and fights decay, dry mouth leads to a higher rate of tooth decay.

Many reasons could make the teeth sensitive.   Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold foods and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth.   Over time, gums recede and tooth enamel can be worn down, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings.  Sensitivity toothpaste and fluoride supplements help sensitive teeth.

Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation and bone damage resulting in tooth loss.  The common indicators are bleeding gums, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.  Gums in the early stage of the disease, known as gingivitis, become red and swollen, causing bleeding.   As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth loosen and may fall out or need to be extracted.  Gum disease is preventable and can usually be avoided through daily brushing and flossing.  Periodontal disease is also associated with many systemic diseases like Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.    Read more about Oral Hygiene >>

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. It’s advisable to clean your tongue regularly as food particles deposited on its surface is a primary source for bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem or in some cases even underlying systemic issue.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small painful sores inside the mouth that often recur. They have a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Most of them resolve on their own within days to 2 weeks. The effect of these sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.