Reasons and Remedies for Tooth Discoloration

Do you know the underlying causes of discolored or yellow teeth? To help you determine the root causes of your stained or discolored teeth, continue reading below for more information. It is important to understand the cause so that you can find the right solution. If needed, contact your dentist and speak with them about whitening. Most people are happy to find out that they can fix their teeth with a few options, including options for at-home and in-office procedures. You don’t have to live with stained teeth, there is a way to achieve a white, bright smile and we want to help you get there. Keep reading for more information and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions.

The Causes of Stained or Yellowed Teeth

Your teeth may become stained, yellowed or dull because of a variety of reasons. Some of the most common contributing factors to discoloration of the teeth include the following issues:

• Stains caused by tannin-rich beverages like tea, coffee and red wine
• Smoking tobacco
• Damage to teeth caused by tooth decay or cavities
• Certain prescription medications, including antibiotics and high blood pressure medications
• Aging
• Wearing down of tooth enamel

Your dentist should discuss the likely causes of your discolored teeth and will provide you with the most practical solutions for resolving these problems. In many cases, a few simple changes in your personal habits can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth and the attractiveness of your smile.

The Right Diet Can Make a Difference

Avoiding foods that are known to cause stains on teeth can be challenging. Some of the most common culprits in staining teeth include the following:

• Tea and coffee
• Soy sauce
• Tomato paste
• Acidic sports and energy drinks
• Fruits and berries
• Foods colored with dyes

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the impact of these foods on your teeth. Rinsing with water and brushing promptly after eating any of these foods will provide you with added protection against stains. Sipping tea and other drinks through a straw can also lessen the chance that your teeth will become stained because of drinking dark-colored or acidic beverages.

Adding calcium-rich foods to your diet can help to strengthen your tooth enamel and can reduce the chance of stains and discoloration. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are also important for the health of your gums and teeth. Finally, drinking plenty of water is a great way to rinse away plaque and sugary sweets to keep your teeth healthier and to ensure a lifetime of whiter teeth and more brilliant smiles. Find a dentist that will be happy to work with you to determine the best ways to protect your teeth from stains and damage caused by the foods you eat and the beverages you drink.

The Dangers of Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco poses serious risks to your dental health. Your dental enamel serves as a hard covering for the delicate interior structures and tissues of your teeth. Tooth enamel has numerous tiny pores in its surface. The tar produced by smoking and the nicotine that tobacco naturally contains can seep into these pores to create a characteristic yellow or brown stain. Most smokers will eventually develop these stains on their teeth. The chemicals in tobacco can also affect the tissues of your gums and may make it more likely that you will eventually develop periodontal disease. If not treated promptly, this can cause the loss of one or more of your permanent teeth.

The best way to prevent tobacco from staining your teeth is to avoid using it altogether. If you do smoke, however, we may be able to recommend antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce the dangerous effects of smoking or chewing tobacco. If you find yourself suffering from gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease, contact your dentist right away for treatment as this can also impact your dental heath and the color of your teeth. All dentists want to make sure you have many years of functional teeth and attractive smiles.

The Hidden Dangers of Plaque

Brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal is the best way to remove plaque, which is a substance made from the interaction between sweet or starchy food particles and bacteria that live in your mouth. Plaque can also be removed during regular teeth cleaning appointments. If allowed to remain on your teeth, plaque can attack tooth enamel to cause cavities or tooth decay. The acidic nature of plaque can eat away at tooth enamel, causing it to become thin and brittle. In some cases, the tissue inside your tooth may be visible through the thin layer of enamel that remains. This can affect your appearance and may make you less likely to smile brightly in social interactions.

Procedures That Produce Whiter Teeth

• While you may be able to purchase whitening kits or whitening toothpastes over the counter at your local retailer, these products rarely produce the results they promise. Consider asking your dentist about professional cleanings and whitening treatments.
• Dentists can provide whitening treatments in office that produce dramatically whiter teeth. These procedures usually require that you spend between 30 minutes and an hour in our office for each session. You will usually need several treatments to achieve the desired results.
• Most dentists can also make up whitening kits for use in your own home. Your at-home procedures will take longer than in-office treatments to achieve the same results.
• Dentists can apply veneers to your teeth to cover up stubborn stains and discolorations. Crowns are also available to provide support for damaged teeth while producing a more beautiful smile for you or any member of your family.

If you would like to learn more about your options for whitening your teeth, give our office a call today at to schedule your initial consultation. The dentists at Wadas Dental are here to serve all your dental care needs in Indiana. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.