All of us admire a beautiful smile with a mouthful of pearly whites.
All of us admire a beautiful smile with a mouthful of pearly whites. Everyday living can cause our teeth to discolor, leaving them a yellow, grey, or brown hue. Often, we can also get stains on our teeth from this discoloring. There are two different types of discoloration—on the outside surface of the tooth, or from the inside.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
- Tobacco use. Both smoking and chewing tobacco will stain your teeth.
- Poor dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly will make a big difference.
- Medications. If you took certain antibiotics as a child, you may have tooth discoloration as a result.
- Genetic factors. Some people have discoloration as a result of genetics, rather than anything they can help prevent.
- Consumption of certain food and drink. Soda, coffee, tea, wine, soy sauce, energy drinks, colored candy, tomato sauce, beets, curry, and berries can all cause tooth discoloration.
What can you do to help?
- Consume food and drink that will stain teeth in moderate amounts.
- Cut down on tobacco use, or quit altogether to give your smile a lift!
- Drinking teeth-staining beverages through a straw. This can help because the drink will touch your teeth much less.
- Brush your teeth or flush out your mouth with water after consuming a harmful food or beverage.
- Dental treatments, such as bonding and veneers.
- Over-the-counter whitening treatments.
- Whitening treatment performed at our dental office.
We will take X-rays at our office to ensure your tooth discoloration isn’t coming from any deeper problems in your teeth, and can recommend the care that is best for you to help your smile stay bright white!
