Teeth naturally lose color over time, changing from bright white to more of a dullish yellow or brown color. Your teeth can also become stained if you have certain habits. We discuss the most common causes of tooth staining and remedies for it below.
Lifestyle Habits That Increase Tooth Discoloration
Smoking is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration, and it’s easy to understand why. As you draw tar and nicotine into your mouth several times a day for many years, these substances eventually stick to your teeth and change the color. Regular consumption of dark-colored food like blueberries and drinks like wine can also cause significant discoloration. Certain medications can have that effect as well.
Practical Tips for Preventing Tooth Staining
An excellent oral healthcare routine that includes regular brushing, flossing, and preventive care exams can help your teeth keep more of their original shine. If you smoke, quitting now is the most important thing you can do for your oral health and overall physical health. We understand that nicotine addiction can be challenging to break and encourage you to check with your doctor for resources if you’re struggling. Chewing sugar-free gum instead of picking up a snack between meals can improve oral health while decreasing teeth staining at the same time.
Other Food and Drinks That Can Cause Teeth Staining
Pay attention to the food and drinks your regularly consume if your teeth are not as bright as you would like them to be. Here are some food and drinks known to contribute to discoloration of the teeth in addition to blueberries and wine:
- Coffee
- Dark sodas
- Other dark-colored fruit like strawberries and blackberries
- Tea, even green tea
You could see a noticeable difference when cutting back on these foods and drinks, but it depends on your age and how long you have regularly consumed them. The same is true of smoking.
Consider Professional Teeth Whitening
The stains on your teeth could be at the surface level, underneath the surface, or strictly age-related. The good news is that a cosmetic procedure known as teeth whitening can tackle all three types of tooth stains. We are pleased to offer this cosmetic dentistry service at Cherry Creek Family Dentistry.
Our dentists use the Zoom professional teeth whitening system to get your teeth up to eight shades whiter in a single appointment. Your appointment lasts for approximately 45 minutes. As you sit back and get comfortable in the dental chair, your dentist fills trays for your top and bottom rows of teeth with bleaching gel. You should notice the difference by the time you leave our office.
We also offer the option of in-home teeth whitening. You pick up the customized whitening trays and gel from Cherry Creek Family Dentistry and complete the same process at home. Both professional-grade teeth whitening options are far superior to anything you can find at a drugstore.
Ready to learn more about teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry procedures? Contact the Cherry Creek Family Dentistry office at 303-321-1323 to request an appointment.