How To Prevent Your Teeth From Staining

Tooth staining is when your tooth becomes discolored or darkened. This can occur for various reasons, including genetics, injuries, health conditions, medications, food and drink, smoking, and other habits. Staining of the teeth affects the outer layer of the teeth, called the enamel, and it can affect the inner layer of the teeth, called the dentin. 

What Causes Tooth Staining and How Can I Prevent It?

Over time, a food and beverage residue buildup will stain the tooth’s enamel. If not properly cleaned or treated, the teeth will become stained. Learn below some common factors of tooth discoloration and how to prevent it from happening to your beautiful smile!

Improper Oral Hygiene

If you are concerned with the color of your teeth, it can often lead back to your oral habits. Are you brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash? If you are not doing all three, you may not give your mouth the advantage it deserves. It’s said many times, but a beautiful smile starts with proper oral habits. The plaque that builds up on your teeth each day must be cleaned, brushed, and flossed to prevent tooth decay or tooth discoloration from forming. By brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing once daily to remove any remaining particles and bacteria, and following up by gargling with mouthwash, your teeth will be sparkly, clean, and white. Setting a routine and sticking with it will allow your mouth and smile to get the most out of your good oral habits.

Foods and Beverages

Some foods and beverages are known for causing stains on the teeth. The dark pigments in coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark fruits or beverages can produce discoloration. Certain foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and soda, can cause your teeth to be more vulnerable to tooth staining. Many people know that common beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine can stain their teeth, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you must quit drinking them. Drinking these beverages from a straw will prevent the liquid from swishing around the mouth and risking stains on your teeth. Brushing your teeth after these beverages or drinking water is also good to wash away any residue. This will keep you happy by not eliminating these drinks completely while also keeping your teeth happy and beautiful! 

Tobacco

Smoking and other tobacco products are commonly known for leading to dark, stained teeth. Smoking also leads to bad breath and a stinky scent in your mouth, clothes, and house. When you smoke or use tobacco products, they can leave yellow or brown stains on your teeth. Not only is this an unattractive look when you smile, but it also puts you at risk for other oral and health risks. Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, other dental issues, and oral and lung cancer. By avoiding smoking or trying to make plans to quit, you can prevent your overall health from declining and keep a white, fresh, and beautiful smile. 

Medications

Certain medications may leave your teeth stained and make it harder to eliminate with brushing or whitening. Some antibiotics used for treating high blood pressure, antihistamines, and chemotherapy treatments may cause teeth discoloration as a side effect. Consulting with your doctor and dentist can help you to determine alternatives and cosmetic dental procedures that may help minimize the appearance of yellow or stained teeth.

Health Problems

Darkened, yellow teeth may indicate a health problem and shouldn’t always be ignored. As mentioned above, certain medications or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may cause the teeth to become discolored. These signs should not be ignored, and should be consulted with your dentist or doctor throughout your treatments. This will allow you to get the help you need and effectively treat any underlying issue or stain. An indication of your overall health starts with your oral health, so if you notice signs of yellow teeth or problems with your mouth, contact a dentist. Some medical conditions, such as enamel hypoplasia, can cause teeth discoloration. This occurs when the enamel is thin in some spots and causes them to look yellow or brown. Always contact your dentist for advice on keeping your oral health and appearance in check when in doubt.

How To Avoid Staining Your Teeth

Practice good oral habits, including brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and avoiding foods or drinks with dark tannins that may discolor your teeth. Talking with your cosmetic dentist is also a great way to find ways to prevent teeth staining, including whitening services and other cosmetic solutions. Below are some common tips for avoiding yellow and stained teeth. 

• Good oral habits
• Drinking from a straw
• Quitting smoking or tobacco use
• Using an electric toothbrush
• Using whitening products 

How Do Dentists Treat Tooth Discoloration?

Dentists can treat tooth discoloration in a few ways. One way is most commonly used, which is professional teeth whitening. These at-home or in-office treatments use a professional whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide or other effective ingredients to whiten and maintain a beautiful smile. These treatments work beneath the stains and lift them off your teeth, leaving a whiter tooth. Some dentists may also choose dental bonding by applying tooth-colored resin to your tooth. This option can be done if teeth whitening has yet to work or provide the results you are looking for. Bonding is affordable compared to lifetime whitening or porcelain veneers, but may not always be the best option if you want to whiten more than a couple of teeth. Another option dentists may use is porcelain veneers. This treatment is more costly but is an excellent option if you cannot treat your stains through whitening. Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that a cosmetic dentist will place in front of your existing tooth, hiding any cracks, chips, impurities, or discoloration. This leaves your smile nothing but white, natural, and beautiful!  

Cosmetic Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers & Teeth Whitening in Bedford, NH

For help treating your stained and discolored teeth, turn to the best cosmetic dentist in Bedford, NH at Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry! Our office helps patients feel confident and beautiful behind their smiles with our various cosmetic dental services. Whether you want teeth whitening or want to explore our other cosmetic dentist options, we are here to help! Learn more about our cosmetic dental services for teeth staining, including whitening and porcelain veneers, and contact us today for a consultation at 603-471-6000!