Dr. Kirill Polyakov, a specialist in dentistry and oral surgery, reported that many people notice their teeth becoming darker, in addition to bad breath even with regular brushing.
According to him, these changes are often attributed to coffee, aging, or are sometimes even explained as occurring "suddenly." But in reality, tooth discoloration and bad breath are signals the body sends indicating underlying health issues.
He says: "The most harmless types of staining are surface stains; coffee, tea, red wine and smoking gradually change the color of tooth enamel, making it more yellow or even gray. This is mostly a cosmetic problem, and can be easily treated through professional cleaning or whitening."
However, in some cases the discoloration is uneven or sudden, as a tooth that is darker than others may indicate a more serious problem such as nerve inflammation or the effect of a previous injury, and in these cases whitening is not an effective solution.
He adds: "Tartar buildup is a different case; if it is thick and yellow or brown, it is not just an aesthetic problem, but a buildup of bacteria that may lead to gingivitis and bad breath."
Regarding bad breath, he explains that there are important details to pay attention to. He says, "Morning breath may be normal, but if it persists throughout the day, it often indicates a coating on the tongue, tartar buildup, or gum inflammation. It may also indicate tooth decay or deep periodontal pockets where bacteria accumulate."
He adds that some signs may be subtle, such as a metallic taste or a slight bloody smell that may indicate the beginning of gingivitis, while a sour smell or an acetone smell may sometimes be associated with conditions that are not limited to the mouth.
He points out that many people do not notice these changes because the body gets used to them, while others may notice them easily, making them an early indicator of a problem.
He emphasizes that these symptoms are not merely cosmetic issues, but important health indicators, and the earlier they are detected, the easier the treatment.
He also explains that tooth discoloration can be internal, such as what happens after root canal treatment, where the tooth may darken over time, which is normal but may require special cosmetic or therapeutic procedures.
It is similar to bad breath, where some people try to get rid of it by using gum or mouthwash, but that only gives a temporary solution, because treating the underlying cause is the real solution.
He also points out that some daily habits, such as drinking too little water, constantly snacking, and consuming too many sugary drinks, can worsen the problem because they create a suitable environment for bacteria to grow, and dry mouth can significantly exacerbate bad breath.
