6 Surprising Everyday Factors That Can Cause Tooth Discoloration

Your teeth are one of the first things people see when they meet you, so it’s important to make sure they’re looking their best. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that there are a number of everyday factors that can significantly discolor their teeth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss six of the most surprising culprits behind tooth discoloration. Keep reading to find out how you can keep your pearly whites shining bright!

What is Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is when the color of your teeth change. It is a gradual process in which the enamel on your teeth becomes stained or darkened. Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from food and drinks to lifestyle habits.

Types of Tooth Discoloration

There are three main types of tooth discoloration: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age related. Extrinsic discoloration is caused by external factors, such as certain foods and drinks or lifestyle habits. Intrinsic discoloration is caused by internal factors, such as aging or illness. Age-related discoloration is caused by a combination of both external and internal factors.

6 Surprising Everyday Factors That Can Significantly Discolor Your Teeth

1. Certain Foods: Did you know that eating certain foods can stain your teeth? Some of the most common culprits include dark berries, citrus fruits, curries, and tomato sauces. The color in these foods can stick to your teeth and cause discoloration over time.
2. Drinking Coffee: This one may not come as a surprise, but drinking coffee regularly can significantly stain your teeth. Coffee contains chromogens—a type of pigmented molecules—which can leave behind a yellowish discoloration.
3. Smoking: Smokers are more likely to experience tooth discoloration than non-smokers, due to the chemicals in tobacco smoke that can stick to your teeth and cause them to turn yellow or brown over time.
4. Poor Oral Hygiene: If you’re not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly, plaque can build up and cause tooth discoloration. Plaque is made up of bacteria, which can leave behind a yellowish-brown stain on your teeth if it’s not removed.
5. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can cause your teeth to become discolored. Other medications, such as antihistamines and blood pressure medications, can cause staining if they’re taken for a long period of time.
6. Age: As you age, the enamel on your teeth will naturally start to wear away, leaving them more prone to staining.

Treating the Stains

If you’re noticing discoloration on your teeth, there are a few different treatments available. Professional dental cleaning and whitening can help remove the stains and restore your teeth to their natural color. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we offer:

• LED whitening. This technique is used every 6 months at your regular dental exam visit and is considered a maintenance procedure that will whiten your teeth 1-3 shades in just 20 minutes. An LED accelerated light is used to help achieve that whiter smile in no time.
• Boost System by Ultradent. If you want to drastically change your smile in one hour, you can use the Boost System by Ultradent. Boost is a chemically activated power whitening gel that provides brighter, whiter teeth after just 40-60 minutes in the dental chair. The powerful 40% hydrogen peroxide gel is chemically activated, and doesn’t require light to work. Using the unique double-syringe configuration, our whitening team activates the 40% hydrogen peroxide formula just prior to application, and will ensure every dose of Boost is fresh and effective.
• If you want to achieve significant teeth whitening results in the comfort of your own home our custom trays and UltraDent™ whitening gel are the perfect solution. The take-home whitening system is the preferred choice for many patients.

Preventing Discoloration of Your Teeth

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent tooth discoloration. First, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could cause discoloration. You should also avoid smoking and limit your consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks. Lastly, make sure to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and free from discoloration.

Taking care of your teeth is essential in order to maintain a bright smile. By understanding the everyday factors that can cause tooth discoloration, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. Keep these six surprising factors in mind and take good care of your teeth to maintain a beautiful smile!

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

At Stonebrook Family Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized plan for treating and preventing tooth discoloration. Contact us today to learn more!