There are many reasons why teeth can stain or discolour including:
- Dark drinks and food– such as coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juice, pop and pigmented foods such as cherries, cranberries, carrots, soy sauce and beets
- Hot drinks – constant temperature change can cause small fractures on the tooth surface allowing stains to penetrate
- Cigarettes – can cause yellowish to orange stains
- Poor oral hygiene – plaque that is not removed can turn yellow
- Medicine – some antibiotics and over-the-counter medications – eg. Tetracycline, some antihistamines
- Age – enamel can break down over time allowing the underlying dentin, which has a natural yellow or brown colour, to show through
- Genetics – some people naturally have brighter or thicker enamel then others
- Trauma – if the tooth pulp (nerve) is damaged or dies
- Excessive fluoride – high doses of fluoride may result in white spots
Here are some recommended prevention techniques and solutions:
- Swish your mouth with water after consuming dark drinks
- Use a straw if possible with dark drinks which may protect the front teeth
- Brush teeth immediately after eating foods that can stain (except with acidic foods, then simply swish with water)
- Engage in proper oral healthcare at home:
- Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
- Brushing for one to three minutes
- Use an appropriate amount of toothpaste
- Visit the hygienist regularly – many stains can be removed with a effective cleaning and polishing
- Talk to your dentist and doctor about alternatives to stain-producing medication
- Bleaching – take-home and in-office treatments are highly effective in whitening your teeth*
- Bonding – a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth
- Veneers – thin shells of porcelain that are custom fit over your natural teeth
