A Look at the Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Have you noticed your smile becoming more stained or yellowed? Tooth discoloration is a common complaint among dental patients, and it’s challenging to avoid entirely. There are many contributing factors that affect the appearance of your pearly whites; talk with your dentist about the most likely culprits. Your dentist can offer some lifestyle modifications to reduce tooth discoloration.

Food and Beverage Consumption

Over time, consuming highly pigmented foods and beverages will discolor your teeth. These include beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, and sports drinks. Foods that stain your teeth include berries, candies, and sauces like soy sauce, curry sauce, and tomato sauce. The pigments in these foods and beverages tend to attach to the teeth. Also, oranges and other acidic foods encourage the deterioration of the tooth enamel, which makes it easier for pigments to adhere to teeth. Dentists recommend drinking beverages through a straw and swishing with water immediately after eating.

Tobacco Use

Dentists often see patients with discolored teeth due to tobacco use. Every time you smoke, you inhale the cigarette smoke through your teeth. Chewing tobacco has the same effect, as the teeth are in frequent contact with the tobacco juice.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Failing to adequately brush and floss your teeth can not only lead to cavities and gum disease, but it can also cause your pearly whites to incur stains. Remember to brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes at a time. When you floss, be sure to gently remove food particles and plaque from beneath the gum line.

Natural Aging Process

Tooth discoloration can occur with the natural aging process. Over the years, the enamel on your teeth wears away, exposing the dentin, which is naturally a yellowish color.

If you would like to improve the appearance of your smile, schedule a tooth whitening treatment today. Lake Mary and Orlando-area residents can take advantage of the expertise of Sanford Dental Excellence. Give us a call today at 407-268-6409 to schedule your dentist visit.