Maintaining a bright and healthy smile can be a challenging task for many individuals. While brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it may not always guard your teeth against discolouration and stains. Tooth stains can be caused by many factors, from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions. 

Understanding the causes of tooth discolouration is crucial in developing an effective strategy to keep your smile looking bright and healthy. 

Here’s a list of 10 causes of tooth stains:

1. Food and drinks: Certain foods and drinks can stain teeth, especially those that are dark in colour or contain acids. These include coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, tomato sauce, curry, and soy sauce.
2. Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain teeth yellow or brown.
3. Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth and lead to staining.
4. Fluoride exposure: Too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which can lead to white or brown spots on the teeth.
5. Medications: Some medications, such as tetracycline, can stain teeth.
6. Trauma or injury: If your teeth are chipped, cracked, or otherwise injured, they may become stained.
7. Diseases: Some diseases, such as bulimia and celiac disease, can cause teeth to become stained.
8. Age: As people age, their teeth may become more yellow or brown due to natural changes in the enamel.
9. Genetics: Some people are more prone to tooth staining than others due to their genetics.
10. Dental work: Some dental procedures, such as root canals, can cause teeth to become stained.

How does teeth whitening help remove yellow stains?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to remove or reduce yellow stains and discolouration from the teeth, helping to restore a brighter and more vibrant smile. It works by applying whitening agents that break down and remove the stains from the tooth surface. Teeth whitening is most effective against extrinsic stains which are on the outer layer (enamel) of the teeth. These stains are often caused by factors like the consumption of staining food and beverages, smoking, and poor dental hygiene. By breaking down the molecules responsible for these extrinsic stains, teeth whitening can help lift and remove the yellowish discolouration, revealing a whiter and brighter smile.

It’s important to note that teeth whitening may not be effective for all types of stains. Intrinsic stains, which are stains that occur within the inner structure of the tooth (dentin), may not respond as well to traditional whitening methods. For such cases, alternative cosmetic dental procedures, like veneers or bonding, may be recommended to improve the appearance of the teeth. Consulting with your Braeside dentist can help determine the most suitable treatment for specific types of stains.

If you’re concerned about stains on your teeth, talk to our dentist. They can help you determine the cause of stains and recommend treatment options.

What are some tips to help prevent tooth stains?

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss your teeth once a day.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
• See our dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Following these tips can help keep your teeth white and healthy. If you want to know more about teeth whitening services here at Braeside Dental Centre, call us today at 403-251-1055 to book an appointment.