Reasons and Remedies for Tooth Discoloration

Tooth stains and discoloration are an unsightly dental issue that cause many people to feel less confident in themselves and in their smiles. Learn how you can treat and prevent this issue so that you can smile widely once again.

What Causes Discolored Teeth?

There isn’t just one cause behind discolored teeth. Aging is an incredibly common one. As you become older, the enamel present on your teeth wears away and causes the darker colored dentin that lays underneath to become visible. Injuries to a permanent tooth can also lead to discoloration. Various medications can cause staining as well. In addition to these, food and drink consumption and the use of tobacco in any form can lead to staining and discoloration.

How the Food You Eat Can Cause Stained Teeth

Many people are unaware that the foods and drinks that they enjoy the most can also lead to tooth discoloration. All of the below foods and beverages can make your smile darker:

• Sugary Beverages – Popular sugary drinks like sports drinks, fruit juices and sodas contain sugars and acids that cause enamel erosion.
• Dark Drinks – Red wine, tea, and coffee are dark enough to stain the teeth with consistent use. They are also comprised of acids that destroy tooth enamel.
• Sweet Snacks – Gums and candies are almost entirely made out of sugar, which eats away at the enamel and leads to discoloration.
• Starch-Stuffed Foods – White breads, potatoes, rice, pastas, and cereals contain starch, which is full of hidden sugars that weaken enamel.

Foods That Fight the Discoloration of Teeth

You may be surprised to learn that your diet is an incredibly important factor when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Eating a balanced diet full of different nutrients can prevent tooth discoloration and staining. Here are the best foods to eat to maintain your white smile:

• Water – This refreshing drink nourishes and hydrates your body, while also rinsing acids, sugars, and food particles from inside your mouth.
• Sugar-Free Drinks – While not as good for you as water is, sugar-free beverages will also rinse unwanted substances from your mouth.
• Milk and Cheese – Dairy causes your mouth to produce more saliva, which neutralizes acids within the inside of the mouth. The calcium and protein inside of these kinds of food also make your teeth stronger and less likely to fall prey to erosion.
• Fish and Flax Seeds – Omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of strong, anti-inflammatory nutrients. Anything that lessens inflammation is good for preventing gum disease.
• Cocoa – Not only does cocoa reduce inflammation, but it also reduces your risk of developing tooth decay and erosion of enamel.

Has Smoking Burned You with Stained Teeth?

If you’ve smoked for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed the negative impact it has on the color of your teeth. We’re here to help you treat this unsightly dental darkness.

Learn More About Cigarettes and Stained Teeth

The best way to avoid staining your teeth is to refrain from smoking or using tobacco in any of its forms. Tobacco is a harmful and dangerous substance that can have serious consequences for your oral and overall physical health. People who smoke are more likely to have stained teeth. They are also more likely to develop gum disease and oral cancer.

Ways to Puff Out the Problem of Teeth Discolored by Smoking

If you make the choice to continue smoking, there are some things you can do to lessen the amount of staining that takes place. These include:

• Undergoing professional cleanings at least two times a year.
• Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouth rinse.
• Brushing your teeth after you’ve consumed a meal or smoked a cigarette.
• Eating a healthy diet that is full of a variety of different nutrients.

A Whiter Smile Is Within Reach

Many smokers suffer from the embarrassment of having stained teeth for years because they believe that it is a side effect that can’t be avoided or treated properly. This is simply not the truth. Today’s whitening treatments are able to address most levels of staining. Speak with your dentist about the below whitening options for your stained teeth:

• Professional tooth whitening treatments done by a dentist, which lead to the fastest and whitest results.
• At-home whitening kits that you purchase over the counter, which can get rid of minor stains.
• Over-the-counter tooth whitening toothpastes, which can improve light stains and assist in stain prevention.

Pointers to Prevent Tooth Discoloration

Did you know that there are precautions that you can take to ensure that your stained teeth don’t become a major problem? Follow the below helpful dental care tips to reduce your risk of deep discoloration and staining:

• Brush, floss and rinse your mouth out with an antibacterial mouthwash every day, as instructed by your dentist.
• Brush after eating.
• Rinse with water whenever you have a dark-colored drink.
• Treat dental problems when they occur rather than waiting.
• Have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional on a consistent basis.

Treatments to Help Tackle Discoloration of the Teeth

Tooth whitening options are available to treat just about every type and severity of staining. The most popular choices tend to be:

• Seeing the dentist to have professional tooth whitening treatments done. This achieves stunning results in a short period of time.
• Taking home a whitening kit that is provided to you by your dentist. This can tackle most types of stains but takes longer than an in-office visit.
• Using an over-the-counter product. This option isn’t as strong as a professional treatment. It will take longer, and it won’t whiten the teeth as much as in-office treatments will.
• Brushing your teeth with a tooth whitening toothpaste. This can eliminate minor stains.
• Teeth that are resistant to whitening products can be covered with dental crowns or veneers.

To learn more about how to best treat your stained or discolored teeth, speak with your dentist.