Are you worried about your discolored smile? Is it affecting your self-confidence and everyday life?

Understand the main culprits behind your worries. With a thorough idea of the main reasons for a discolored smile, you can change your look authentically. Whether the reason is your food intake, your daily habits, or any medication, with the right guidance you can reverse back the discoloration.

Let’s know more about this.

Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration means the development of stains on the enamel or changes within the tooth structure. Food, beverages, and habits cause external stains, while medical conditions or age can cause internal discoloration. Regardless of the type, identifying the prime cause can aid in selecting proper prevention techniques or treatments.

What Are the Main Causes of Tooth Discoloration?

Diet and Beverages

Some food and beverages are some of the most frequent culprits of stained teeth. Dark-colored drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas have pigments that adhere to the enamel over time. Acidic foods and beverages can also wear away enamel, so stains are more likely to occur. Even what seem like healthy foods, such as berries and tomato sauce, can cause discoloration when you eat them a lot.

Use of Tobacco

Chewing and smoking tobacco play a large role in affecting the color of your teeth. Nicotine and tar found in tobacco cause deep staining that makes teeth yellow or even brown. The stains are usually tough and hard to remove through simple brushing. Here, you might need a professional cosmetic dentist.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Overlooking, brushing, and flossing every day means accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The result is they turn yellow. Stains from foods and beverages get darker without a good oral care routine. Regular dental cleanings are an effective way to remove such stains.

Aging

As we get older, the outer layer of enamel wears away naturally, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. This is a gradual process. But, it causes teeth to look dull and stained over time. Because enamel cannot be replaced, preventive treatment and whitening procedures become crucial in keeping a youthful smile.

Fluorosis & Genetics

Exposure to too much fluoride, especially in childhood, may cause white or brown spots on teeth or fluorosis. Your genetics also influence the natural color of your teeth – it can become naturally whiter or yellower than others.

How to Prevent Tooth Discoloration?

With some easy steps, you can prevent tooth discoloration on your own.

Brush and floss regularly to clear plaque buildup.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating stain-causing foods and beverages.
Drink coffee, tea, or soda through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
Get professional cleanings from a cosmetic dentist to eliminate deep stains.

Some causes of tooth discoloration are easily preventable and you can do that on your own. For other complicated factors, a professional intervention might be a good idea. A cosmetic dentist has multiple options to get back your white and bright smile.