Causes & Solutions to Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is a common problem that a lot of people deal with in our lives. We don’t do ourselves any favors either. Coffee, soda, and wine are just a few of the ways we stain our teeth. Discoloration is also something that happens naturally as we age or stems from the genetics we have.
There are many things that can cause yellowing/staining in our teeth, but there are also things we can do to keep our pearly whites healthy and clean.
We have put together information for the common causes and solutions to discolored teeth so you can make sure you can meet your oral health goals.
Common Causes of Discoloration
- Tea/Coffee
Dark-colored drinks such as coffee and tea tend to stain your teeth when you are drinking them consistently. These are some of the biggest culprits of tooth discoloration.
- Smoking/Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause discoloration in your teeth. Over time the smoke and nicotine will leave yellowish/brown surface stains that worsen the longer you smoke.
- “Staining Foods”
Foods that are high in processed sugars (candies) or acids (sodas) will wear on your tooth enamel and cause discoloration and will also increase your risk of cavities. (vibrant fruits, candies, soda, soy sauce)
- Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene will lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth causing yellowing. Poor brushing and flossing habits will lead to this buildup and give the appearance of yellowing/staining.
- Aging
When you age your teeth begin to naturally yellow as the outer layer of enamel wears away. As you age your teeth create more dentin which causes your teeth to have a darker appearance.
Different Ways to Help Whiten Your Teeth
- Good Oral Hygiene
It sounds like a brainer but having a consistent dental hygiene plan involving brushing, flossing, and fluoride wash will help keep your pearly whites healthy. It will help stop tartar buildup and clean out harmful bacteria.
- Drink More Water
Water helps keep your teeth happy and healthy by keeping them strong and helps stop the formation of stains after eating and drinking. Drinking water will wash away food debris and keep your saliva levels high.
- At-Home Kits
These can be found at your local pharmacies or general stores and they provide an at-home way to get whitening done faster. Common at-home whitening products are whitening strips, special whitening toothpaste, whitening gels, and whitening trays.
- Diet Improvement
Eating healthier has many health benefits, keeping your teeth cleaner and healthier is one of them. Eating foods like strawberries, cheese, celery, and apples will help clean and protect your teeth.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning
For the best results for whitening your teeth, consult a professional. Professional teeth whitening and bleaching can remove stains, restoring teeth to their natural colors.
Next Steps
Now that you know the common causes and solutions for tooth discoloration you can take the right steps to keep your teeth healthy and stain-free. For professional dental assistance call an Abundant Dental location near you to get personalized treatment options and professional guidance for your teeth.