The Most Common Causes of Teeth Staining

 

 

Are your teeth stained or are you concerned they might be in the future? You’re not alone. Most children at a young age already have some degree of teeth staining.

It’s a normal thing to happen to your pearly white smile. But it might bother you. It makes you wonder why it happened, how to get it off, and what might help prevent it.

If you’re looking to get rid of existing stains or want to prevent them from happening, you have to deal with the root causes first.

Read on to find out the most common causes.

Foods and Drinks

Coffee, tea, and red wine are all common culprits of teeth staining. Other foods that can cause staining are those that are high in chromogens, which are pigments that attach to the teeth and cause staining. Examples of these types of foods are soy sauce, berries, beets, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables can all lead to stained teeth.

This is because the acid wears away at the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth. Once the enamel is gone, the tooth is more susceptible to staining.

Certain Medications

Tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, amoxicillin, and fluoroquinolones cause tooth staining by binding to the tooth enamel and causing it to change color. The metals in the medication can bind to the tooth enamel and cause it to change color. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications can also cause teeth staining.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth, tartar and plaque build up on your teeth. This can cause your teeth to yellow or become discolored. When plaque and tartar build up on teeth, they can cause the teeth to become discolored.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, and tartar is a hard deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed. Poor oral care can also cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums that can also lead to teeth staining.

Smoking Tobacco

The nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke cling to the teeth and discolor them. Constant exposure to smoke can cause the teeth to become discolored. The staining can be difficult to remove, and even professional teeth cleanings may not be effective.

Part of Aging

As we age, our teeth are yellow. This is because of the thinning of the enamel, which allows the dentin to show through. Also, the combination of changes in our diet and the aging process itself.

The proteins in our teeth also begin to break down, allowing stains to penetrate more.

Not Considering Teeth Whitening Products

Many different things can cause teeth staining, and if you don’t take steps to prevent or treat it, it can become quite a problem. One of the most important things you can do is to use a teeth whitening product regularly.

There are many different products available, and they can make a difference in the way your teeth look. You may read these top benefits of teeth whitening.

Learn What Causes Teeth Staining

To improve your dental health and reduce staining, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist. You may also want to avoid foods and drinks that can cause stainings, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. If you smoke, quitting can also help to prevent teeth staining.

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