Teeth are most often stained by certain foods and drinks.
There are many factors that can cause teeth to become discoloured over time. Some of the most common causes include aging, genetics, and the consumption of certain foods and drinks. Highly pigmented, dark and acidic foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine and berries all contain compounds which will cause your teeth to darken over time if they are consumed often enough.
Additionally, lifestyle habits like smoking can be a major contributor to tooth discolouration. If you have noticed your teeth looking dull or stained, you might consider a professional teeth whitening treatment — read on to find out what could be causing your discolouration, and what you can do to restore you teeth for a bright, beautiful smile…
What is tooth discolouration?
Tooth discolouration occurs when the shade of the teeth changes over time, often resulting in a dull or yellowed appearance. In some cases, teeth can darken, or spots may develop on their surface.
There are three main types of tooth discolouration: extrinsic; intrinsic; and age-related. Extrinsic discolouration occurs when a stain-causing substance comes in contact with the enamel of the teeth. Intrinsic discolouration affects the deeper layers of the teeth; and age-related discolouration occurs for a combination of reasons as one gets older.
What causes stains and discolouration?
Some of the most common causes of tooth stains are the foods and drinks that we consume — these include tea; coffee; wine; certain fruits, vegetables and berries; and dark or tomato-based sauces. Tobacco use can also cause the teeth to discolour over time, while poor dental hygiene can also cause stains.
Other factors that can contribute to tooth discolouration include certain health conditions and some medications.
The natural ageing process is another contributing factor — as we get older, the enamel on our teeth tends to wear away, exposing the underlying dentin, which is darker in colour. Genetics also play a role in tooth discolouration as some people have thicker or brighter enamel than others.
Can you prevent stains?
One of the ways in which you can prevent stains from developing on the surface of your teeth is to avoid foods and drinks that are highly acidic or dark in colour. Try to enjoy foods and drinks like coffee, tea, soda, wine, dark berries, beetroot, pomegranates and soy sauce in moderation only. If you do consume a stain-causing food or drink, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
It is also advisable that you practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis — brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
Can you get rid of stains?
One of the most effective ways in which stains and discolouration can be resolved is with a professional teeth whitening treatment. These treatments involve the use of bleaching agents, which break down stain-causing compounds and leave the teeth looking whiter and brighter.
If you choose to go ahead with a whitening treatment, it is important that you discuss the process with your dentist. They will let you know if the procedure is right for you, and ensure that you opt for a treatment that is both safe and effective.
How can we help?
Dr Sheng Zhang offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services, including simple, safe and effective teeth whitening.
At Dental Artistry, we offer a choice of two teeth whitening methods: Zoom in-office whitening; and take-home whitening kits. If you choose to come in for an in-office treatment, you can expect the process to take around an hour. If you would prefer to whiten your teeth at home, we will provide you with a whitening kit and a thin plastic mouthguard that is moulded to the shape of your teeth. We will let you know how much whitening agent to place in your mouthguard, and how long you should wear your mouthguard each day.
If you would like to find out more about the teeth whitening treatments that are available at Dental Artistry in Auckland and how they work, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call on 09 524 4541 or get in touch with us here.