One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if your enamel is tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white, you might not make a positive impression.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, to help brighten your grin and boost your confidence. But if you’re not careful, it’s possible to restain your teeth and require another treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential causes of dental discoloration so you can avoid them!
Cause #1: Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends brushing for a full two minutes both in the morning and at night, which should be followed by flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease? If unhealthy bacteria in your mouth are allowed to thrive, they produce acids that can erode your enamel, leaving darkly-toned pits behind.
Not only that, but if germs penetrate your connective tissues, it can cause them to become darker red and swollen, further detracting from your appearance. Fortunately, regularly cleaning your mouth and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning helps strengthen your teeth and gums so they can better resist common oral concerns that can also lead to discoloration.
Cause #2: Dietary Decisions
Consuming too many deeply toned foods can also potentially tint your teeth. For instance, popular beverages like coffee, tea, and wine all contain tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in some plants that give them their bitter flavor. Unfortunately, they can also cling to the microscopic pores in your teeth, causing stains that can build up over time.
Other common culprits that can stain your teeth include blueberries, tomatoes, curry, and soy sauce. Avoiding foods known to cause discoloration can help you preserve a brighter smile.
Cause #3: Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or vapes, or chewing tobacco, can also darken your grin, but that’s not the only reason to try to quit this unhealthy habit. Tobacco products contain nicotine, tar, and other harmful substances that suppress your body’s immune system so it can’t send infection-fighting cells to your teeth and gums. This significantly increases the likelihood of developing cavities or gum disease that can impact your appearance.
Furthermore, the chemicals in tobacco can penetrate the pores of your enamel and turn yellow when exposed to oxygen, like when you breathe. This can continue to accumulate, which makes it more difficult to remove.
Although potentially anyone wanting a brighter smile can benefit from teeth whitening with their dentist, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best solution. Your dentist might suggest another treatment, like dental bonding or veneers, to improve your appearance based on your current dental condition.
About the Practice
Patients at Harper Dental benefit from two dentists with over 40 years of combined experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Mitchel Harper and Dr. Justin Cooper collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetics that can help brighten your grin. Their attention to detail is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering beautiful results intended to last. If you want to reduce the appearance of dental discoloration, you can request an appointment on the website or call (479) 452-1638.