Teeth Staining – How is it caused?

May

The best way to keep your smile looking bright is to avoid consuming staining substances in the first place – if you’ve undergone teeth whitening (or thinking about it), the last thing you want to do is cause teeth staining.

Knowing what causes yellow teeth and other types of discolouration is the first step!

Drinking coffee, tea and other staining drinks regularly

Coffee is a well-known culprit for stained teeth. If you drink it regularly and don’t rinse your mouth with water after drinking it, dark pigments can stick to the enamel surface of teeth, causing them to darken over time.

Adding milk to tea or coffee can help reduce this effect.

Red wine is another product that causes teeth staining, so sipping water intermittently is recommended.

Black tea is usually high in staining tannins that may lead to more staining than coffee.

Smoking

There are many health reasons to quit smoking already, but tobacco is also a major cause of teeth stains, whether it’s smoked or chewed. Besides stains, smoking is one of the common risk factors for many oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer.

Eating staining foods

Just like beverages, any food that stains your fingers is likely to stain your teeth too.

Foods that could stain teeth include brightly coloured berries, beetroot, sticky lollies and dishes with richly coloured sauces.

Not drinking enough water

Drinking the recommended quantity of water throughout the day is important for hydration, but it can also help to remove stains by rinsing away staining substances left on the teeth.

Drinking Acidic drinks

You may think white wine is a better alternative to red wine, but it isn’t. The acidity of some wines can soften tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to stains from other food and drink. Soft drinks and sports drinks can also lead to dental stains – these can have substantial quantities of acid, sugar and pigments.

Try to avoid these drinks altogether, or only drink them in moderation.

Holding Food and drinks in mouth over a prolonged period

The longer something is in contact with your teeth, the more time it has to leave stains behind, or for acidic ingredients to act on the enamel. Try not to keep food or drink in your mouth for longer than necessary before swallowing.

Not brushing or flossing your Teeth

Dental plaque that forms on the surfaces of teeth tends to retain the stains, and good oral hygiene helps reduce the build-up of plaque. Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day, preferably using fluoride toothpaste, and using dental floss at least once a day.

Not visiting your Dentist regularly

Having your regular, 6monthly check ups with your dentist is another important cornerstone of a good oral care routine. Your dentist can check your teeth and gums for early signs of problems and also offer advice about how to help keep your teeth healthy.

If you are worried about your teeth discoloration, call Dbay Dental today for an appointment with one of our knowledgeable dentists on 3203 0162 or Book Online