We all want the shiniest whitest teeth, but often our teeth may look yellow or discolored. While some stains result from medications or high fevers in infancy, the majority of stains are from our own behavior. Here are some causes of teeth stains.
1. Acidic Beverages
Wine, coffee, tea and soda are most people’s go-to beverages. Sadly, these are among the worst drinks when it comes to staining your teeth. The acids in coffee, red wine and tea form a chemical reaction in your mouth that breaks through the protective coating on tooth enamel, thus leaving stains that are visible if left untreated.
2. Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
The use of tobacco is one of the leading causes of yellowing teeth. The tar and nicotine in tobacco react with the natural bacterias in your mouth, which leads to sticking to the enamel of your teeth. The more tobacco you use, the more your teeth will stain. Tobacco can cause the teeth to have a distinct dark yellow tint.
3. Eating Sweets
Candy and sugary foods are often people’s guilty pleasure but consuming too much of these could not only affect your health but can also stain your teeth. The sugar in these foods does not stain your teeth, but the bacteria that eat sugars once they are on your teeth also eat your enamel. Once your enamel is gone, the yellow dentin layer is exposed, causing stained, discolored teeth.
4. Intensely Colored Fruits
Vibrant or dark-colored fruits such as blackberries, pomegranates, blueberries and other dark berries contain a dark pigmentation that can lead to staining. Tiny organic particles from the fruit can penetrate into the pores in your tooth enamel and remain attached to your teeth. If your teeth have a higher porosity, this can lead to more persistent stains. That’s why teeth may turn purple after eating berries.
How to Avoid Teeth Stains
There are things you can do to prevent staining your teeth. If you can’t cut out acidic drinks, drinking through a straw will work to keep the staining drink away from your teeth, especially the front teeth. For food and beverages swallowing promptly, swishing with water, chewing sugar-free gum and brushing your teeth regularly will reduce discoloration. If you have some pesky stains that won’t go away or simply want to brighten your smile, don’t hesitate to ask us about our tooth whitening services.
As always, give us a call for any questions you might have at (706) 882-2597 or schedule your next appointment here!
