We all dream of having a shining white smile; it’s a sign of health, youth, and beauty. As we age, our teeth are subject to different situations that cause them to change shades. When you see pictures of your childhood smile, you may wonder what happened to those pearly whites. In this post, we’re going to cover the reasons why teeth become discolored, what you can do to reverse that, as well as how to prevent it from occurring:

Causes

Some of the main causes for having discolored teeth come from our eating and drinking habits. Red wine is known for its staining properties—you’ll notice it colors your lips after you have a glass. Tobacco is another contributor to yellowed teeth; smoking or chewing it will yellow your smile.

Acidic foods and beverages make your enamel more vulnerable to staining. A few examples are tomatoes, carbonated beverages, and lemon juice. They also wear away the enamel and expose the dentin beneath, a material that is a yellow color. 

A common cause of tooth discoloration is poor dental hygiene. When teeth are not brushed, plaque accumulates. Eventually, it hardens into tartar or calculus, a calcified deposit of bacteria. Tartar is a yellow-brownish shade and it creates tooth discoloration.

Trauma to the teeth can cause them to turn brown or even black. After a hard impact, the blood vessels can break and prevent blood from flowing to the tooth. This can kill the nerves, and the tooth will change color. 

Various medications can cause tooth discoloration, including antihistamines and antipsychotic drugs. If you use too much fluoride (which can be in the water you drink and/or the toothpaste you use), your teeth may get white spots.  

Treatment

If your teeth are discolored due to plaque and tartar build-up, visit a hygienist for a dental cleaning. They have the tools to remove hardened bacteria and restore the color of your teeth. 

At the grocery store, you’ll find many toothpastes and mouthwashes that have teeth whitening properties. Be careful with whitening strips; they contain bleach. If a whitening treatment is not administered by a professional, it can wear away enamel, causing even more discoloration.

You can choose to get veneers to cover your teeth. These porcelain shells can be customized to a shade of your choosing. They will also hide minor imperfections like gaps or chips in teeth. 

Prevention

When it comes to preventing oral health issues, from tooth discoloration to cavities, one answer always rings true: proper maintenance. Use a teeth-whitening toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles. Floss once a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash. 

Another prevention method is to limit your intake of teeth-staining beverages. Cut back on coffee, tea, and red wine to save the color of your smile. Acidic beverages are another culprit, so try to reduce your consumption whenever you can. Finally, try to quit smoking—if not for your pearly whites, do it for your overall health!

Looking to remedy your discolored teeth? While there are over the counter solutions, some of them are too strong and can actually damage your enamel. Try visiting a dental office for professional teeth whitening treatments. Do you need teeth whitening services in Fairmont? Bonasso & Kime is the place for you. Our ZOOM! whitening products will whiten your teeth by multiple shades in under an hour.