6 Major Reasons Teeth Become Yellow or Stained

Everyone wants a bright, white smile. However, not everyone is aware of the many factors that can cause teeth to stain. Read on for a list of six reasons for tooth discoloration. This article will also provide tips for helping you to avoid developing stained teeth.

Smoking

By now, everyone knows about the effects of cigarette smoking on the heart and lungs. However, smoking can also negatively impact a person’s physical appearance, too. Teeth are discolored from nicotine stains on the teeth. Therefore, giving up smoking should not only help improve the health of the heart and lungs, but it can also help a person avoid tooth discoloration.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing is an important action that can keep teeth healthy. Brushing removes plaque and bits of food from teeth. Removing food particles can prevent tooth decay and cavities from developing, but brushing can also improve the appearance of teeth. Brushing helps to remove stains on the teeth.

In addition to brushing and flossing at home, it is also a good idea to get regular dental exams. A hygienist or dental assistant can clean the teeth professionally. This removes plaque and helps teeth fight against staining.

A dental professional can also treat any problem teeth. Teeth that are discolored or decaying can be crowned or treated to improve their appearance. A professional dentist can also offer teeth whitening in Burnsville, MN, and virtually anywhere in the US.

Existing Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can cause the teeth to darken. For instance, people with cancer who receive radiation treatment can experience teeth darkening. The chemotherapy from radiation treatment to the head or neck will cause the discoloration. Certain medicines taken for hypertension are also known to stain teeth. WebMD provides more information on medical conditions and medicines that darken teeth.

Tooth-Staining Foods

Hard candy, tomato sauce and the juice from berries can cause teeth to stain. However, these foods do not need to be totally crossed off a person’s food list. Hard candy can still be eaten in moderation. Berries have antioxidants that benefit a person’s physical health. After eating berries, a person should brush the teeth to avoid staining.

Tooth-Staining Beverages

Like foods, beverages also have the power to discolor teeth. Ever notice how coffee and tea can stain the inside of your favorite mug? Well, they can do the same to your teeth. While most people probably know that red wine can color the teeth darker, many people do not know that white wine, due to its acidity, also stains teeth.

Age

Ever wonder why younger people, such as teenagers and people in their 20s, have such white teeth? It’s because they are not yet showing the effects of a lifetime of eating tooth-staining foods and consuming tooth-staining drinks. Brushing teeth after eating the staining foods and drinks mentioned above can help keep teeth whiter at an advanced age.

Maintaining a bright and healthy smile is an achievable goal. To help teeth keep their white appearance, brush at least twice daily and floss daily also. Avoid smoking as well as smokeless tobacco.

When you eat tomato sauce, drink coffee or tea, or eat berries, brush your teeth afterward. In addition to all of this, be sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once yearly. If you take all of these precautions and still desire a whiter smile, see your dentist about tooth whitening options.