What Can Cause Tooth Discoloration and Stains?

Do you want a dazzling, flawless smile? Tooth staining can creep up on you very quietly. Perhaps you’ve brushed faithfully and abstained from red wine, but deep stains can still refuse to go away. This is because the reasons behind tooth discoloration can sometimes be more serious than bad diet and habits.

Read this blog to learn the causes of tooth discoloration and whether teeth whitening can fix your problem.

The Different Types of Tooth Discoloration

Not all tooth stains are the same. They come in two broad categories, with their cast of characters and idiosyncrasies:

• Extrinsic Stains: You can get these stains because of your diet and other lifestyle habits. 
• Intrinsic Stains form inside the tooth and are more challenging to get rid of with regular teeth whitening agents.

Knowing the difference can help you take the best action to brighten your smile.

Everyday Habits That Sabotage Your Smile

Here are some everyday food items that can discolor your white teeth:

• Coffee and tea are notorious for their staining power, which is due to the dark pigments and tannins that cling to enamel.
• Red Wine has a rich, deep color. Its regular consumption can stain your white teeth.
• Cola and sodas are filled with acidity and coloring agents that can wear away your enamel and deposit stains.
• Berries such as blueberries, cherries, and tomato sauces can give you an intrinsic stain, dimming your smile.
• Soy Sauce, curry, and other savory ingredients can also lead to gradual staining.

Lifestyle Choices: Beyond Diet

Here are certain lifestyle habits that can affect the look of your teeth;

• Chewing and smoking might form brow or yellow stains on your teeth. Nicotine and tar can seep into your enamel, creating marks that brushing alone cannot remove.
• Do you ignore regular brushing and flossing? This can lead to tartar and plaque formation, increasing the risk of discoloration.
• Professional cleanings can remove embedded stains that toothbrushes can’t reach.

Professional teeth whitening in Victoria can sometimes remove these stains if you see a dentist at the right time.

Other Causes Of Teeth Staining and Discoloration

Wondering what other factors might stain your teeth? Here they are:

• Your hereditary factors can determine the strength of your enamel. Some people are born with thicker, whiter enamel, while others have thinner and weaker enamel.
• Some medications, like tetracycline and doxycycline, can form intrinsic stains in children if used before age eight.
• Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications can discolor your teeth when used over a prolonged period..
• Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine can discolor your teeth with long-term use.
• Medical radiation or chemotherapy for the head and neck can change tooth color.
• Damage from trauma and accidents might damage or discolor your tooth on some occasions.

Can Teeth Whitening Fix All Stains?

Teeth whitening procedures are so popular because they are effective. They can remove most extrinsic stains, particularly those formed by food, beverages, and tobacco. 

However, intrinsic stains tend to be resistant to routine whitening procedures. In such instances, cosmetic procedures such as veneers, crowns, or dental bonding may be necessary to restore a natural smile.

Tooth staining and discoloration influence your confidence and way of interacting with the world. Knowing what causes these stains can help you maintain a whiter, healthier smile. If you have severe discoloration, try professional teeth whitening to remove it. 

Your smile is one of your greatest assets; protect it! At Royal Bay Dental Co., we provide professional teeth whitening treatments designed to tackle even the toughest stains. Let us help you maintain a bright, confident smile for years. Contact us today!