5 Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration can detract from the beauty of your smile and affect your self-confidence. Having pearly bright teeth affects how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. A bright smile is associated with perceived attractiveness, success, youth, and good health. 

Professional teeth whitening is just one of the services offered here at A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Benedict Kim and our team are devoted to excellence in dental care. If you’re less than pleased with the current appearance of your teeth, we can help!

Teeth whitening addresses dental stains

When your baby teeth and your adult teeth first appear, they’re healthy white or yellowish-white. Over time, however, stains and other discoloration can develop from a combination of factors. Fortunately, teeth whitening can address most stains, restoring your bright smile. 

When you visit A Caring Dental Group for teeth whitening, our team uses a custom-molded plastic tray filled with bleaching gel containing a high concentration of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

We place the tray over your teeth and cover your lips and gums to reduce irritation. Next, we put an activating light on the gel, which begins to bleach off the stains. The entire process takes under an hour and you’ll be thrilled with the results.

Read on to learn about five common causes of tooth discoloration.

1. Food and drink

Certain foods and beverages are notorious for staining your teeth. Major culprits are:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark colas
• Red wine
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Pomegranates
• Beets
• Soy sauce
• Tomato sauce

To help prevent discoloration, rinse your mouth with water after eating common offenders and use a straw for beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.

2. Tobacco use

Smoking or using tobacco products is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. Nicotine and tar in tobacco easily stick to your teeth, leaving a yellow or brownish stain. If you currently smoke, quitting not only improves your oral health but your overall health as well.

3. Inadequate dental hygiene

Inadequate brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which contribute to tooth discoloration. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. This includes regular brushing with whitening toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups every six months.

4. Medications and medical treatments

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications, can cause tooth discoloration. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, particularly to your head and neck, can also affect tooth color.

If you’re taking a medication that boosts the risk of tooth discoloration, we can discuss some preventive measures with you. 

5. Aging and genetics

As you age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth wears down, revealing the naturally yellow dentin underneath. Genetics also play a role; some people naturally have brighter or thicker enamel than others. While you can't stop the aging process or change your genetics, you can take steps to protect your enamel, like using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Preventing stains from returning

Touching up your teeth whitening and being mindful of the things you eat and drink can help keep your smile bright.

You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods and drinks, but you should consume them in moderation, rinsing your mouth afterward to eliminate any acid or food particles, and brushing your teeth after every meal. 

If discolored teeth are taking away from your brilliant smile, consider professional teeth whitening. Contact A Caring Dental Group to schedule a consultation with our team and smile confidently knowing your oral health is in good hands. Call or click to book an appointment today.