Healthy human teeth are usually a slightly yellowish shade of white, but they can develop unsightly stains for a wide variety of reasons. In some cases, discoloration can be so stubborn that it doesn’t respond to conventional oral hygiene methods, which may make a person anxious about showing off their smile. Here’s a quick look at how dental discoloration can happen, how to prevent it, and how your dentist can help.
How Does Dental Discoloration Happen?
Teeth can develop stubborn stains due to reasons like:
- Chemical exposure: The pigments, dyes, and tannins in many popular foods and beverages like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, berries, candy, and dark sauces can become embedded in dental enamel, resulting in unsightly stains that are difficult to remove. To make matters worse, the acids in many items can weaken enamel and leave it more vulnerable to discoloration.
- Age: Years of use can wear away the whitish enamel layer, which can leave the teeth with a yellower appearance.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can leave nasty stains and buildups on the teeth.
- Genetics: The enamel of some people is more susceptible to stains than that of others.
- Injury: A severely damaged tooth may darken, and this may happen months or years after the injury.
- Certain antibiotics: Exposure to the antibacterial drug tetracycline during early childhood is linked to permanent dental stains.
How Can I Prevent Stains?
The best ways to prevent dental discoloration include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene
- Drinking plenty of water
- Visiting your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings
- Making smart eating and drinking decisions
- Refraining from tobacco and excessive alcohol use
How Can My Dentist Address Stubborn Stains?
If your dental stains do not respond to several brushing and flossing sessions, your dentist will be able to address them with professional teeth whitening treatments. These include customized dental trays that ensure optimal effects while minimizing the risk of soft tissue injury and professional-grade concentrated whitening agents that deliver astounding results. A single treatment can leave a person’s smile up to eight shades whiter.
Don’t let frustrating dental stains keep you from showing off your grin. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to achieve the smile of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Cousins earned her dental degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. She is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Florida Dental Association. Her office in Windermere offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening services. If you are concerned about dental stains, contact her practice on the web or dial (407) 909-1097.