Reasons and Remedies for Tooth Discoloration

If you no longer smile much because your teeth are discolored or stained, then your self-confidence may be suffering. However, discolored teeth can be a thing of the past with a few simple techniques and lifestyle adjustments.

Why Have My Teeth Become Discolored?

Tooth enamel becomes discolored for several reasons. Some reasons can be controlled and some can’t. Your diet and lifestyle habits can be controlled. The aging process, trauma to a permanent tooth, necessary medications, and heredity conditions are beyond your control, and any of these may be a factor in discolored teeth.

Is My Diet Discoloring My Teeth?

Although many people don’t realize it, the foods they eat and the beverages they drink can significantly affect the whiteness of their teeth. Their morning coffee and their late evening glass of red wine can wreak havoc on their tooth enamel, as can the following:

• Carbohydrates: Some of the tastiest foods on the planet are some of the worst for your tooth enamel because of their sugar content.
• Sweet snacks: Gum and candy are almost entirely sugar, which can damage the white tooth enamel as well as cause cavities.
• Sugared beverages: Whether it’s fruit juice, energy drinks, sports drinks, or sodas, they’re all high in sugars and acids that can attack your white enamel and make your teeth appear darker.
• Dark-colored foods and beverages: Whether you love blueberries or dark red wine, all dark-colored foods and beverages can cause your teeth to be less white. If they stain your skin, they’ll stain your teeth.
• Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly after consuming dark-colored foods and beverages. Rinsing with water isn’t enough. You need the slightly abrasive action of your toothpaste for the best results.

You don’t need to give up all your favorite foods and beverages to have whiter teeth. Just be proactive about minimizing their effects on your tooth enamel.

Are There Foods and Drinks That Prevent Tooth Discoloration?

There are foods that can help prevent tooth discoloration, just as there are foods that cause it. For the whitest teeth, consider the following tips:

• Drink water: Plain water may not be the most exciting drink, but it’s the best for you. It keeps your body hydrated, which means that your saliva is at a good level and saliva washes out food particles and residual sugars and acids that can darken or destroy your white enamel.
• Sugar-free beverages: For some people, plain water isn’t an option, but sugar-free drinks may be an acceptable substitute. Be sure to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking them, so you remove any residual sugars or acids.
• Cocoa: Cocoa isn’t usually considered to be good for your teeth, but dark cocoa contains flavanols that lessen inflammation while protecting you from dental caries and strengthening your enamel.
• Milk chocolate and white chocolate are included, though, only dark chocolate in moderation. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming cocoa or chocolate.
• Dairy products: Dairy milk and cheese are excellent sources of protein and calcium that can strengthen your teeth and help neutralize the acids that erode your white tooth enamel.
• Fish and flax seeds: Both of these contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that are very strong anti-inflammatory agents. Be sure to balance your consumption of omega-3 oils with the correct amount of omega-6 oils for the best results.

Does Smoking Always Discolor Teeth?

According to most dentists, smoking is the leading cause of tooth discoloration as well as a primary contributor to periodontal disease.

Do All Forms of Tobacco Discolor My Teeth?

It doesn’t matter whether you smoke, vape, chew, dip, or use any other method. Tobacco will discolor your teeth. When tobacco is dried, it turns very dark brown, and when you consume it in any form, it turns your teeth brown.

Can I Still Smoke and Avoid Discolored Teeth?

Although there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage smoking does to your tooth enamel, you’ll never have teeth that are as white as those of a non-smoker. However, the following tips and techniques may help you lessen the effects of tobacco usage:

• After you smoke, brush your teeth. Be dedicated to this effort because your tooth enamel can easily darken without you being aware of it.
• Get a professional cleaning at least twice yearly.
• Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that includes crunchy vegetables.
• Brush and floss after every meal or snack.
• Follow the American Dental Association guidelines of brushing and flossing at least twice daily, particularly before bedtime, and using an antibacterial mouthwash at least daily.

Even though your teeth may not be as bright as a non-smoker’s, they can be whiter and brighter than they are, and you can be proud to smile once again.

What Can I Do to Avoid Dental Discoloration?

• Use tooth-whitening toothpaste.
• Brush and floss after every snack or meal.
• Get prompt attention if you have a dental problem.
• Rinse thoroughly with plain water after consuming dark-colored beverages.

Being proactive with preventing dental discoloration is the best way to avoid it.

Which Lifestyle Habits Will Help Me Avoid Tooth Discoloration?

You don’t need to make drastic changes in your lifestyle to have whiter teeth. The following are popular methods for avoiding tooth discoloration:

• Use at-home whitening kits.
• Use tooth-whitening toothpaste. It’s slower than a tooth-whitening treatment, but it can remove some of the small stains before they become larger stains.
• Get a professional whitening treatment. The treatments from your dentist will be faster and more effective than those you do at home. They’ll also provide more consistent results. Some dentists offer at-home kits that use the same products they use, so ask about one of these types of kits.
• Talk to your dentist. Discuss your goals and ask for a recommendation.
• Ask your dentist about crowns or veneers that can hide stains that don’t respond to treatment.

Don’t hide your smile because of your discolored teeth. They can be easily transformed into a smile you’ll be proud of, so get started today.