Causes Of Tooth Staining

Why your teeth discolor. As your teeth age they begin to discolor. The rate of discoloration varies from person to person and diet and genetic factors influence this. If your ancestors had teeth that stayed white longer as they aged, the chances are that yours will too.

Diet Strong colours in foods will discolour your teeth so avoid or limit such things as coffee, tea, red wine, some heavily spiced foods such as curries and foods with high pigment concentrates such as balsamic vinegars, soy sauces and strongly coloured fruit drinks. Food and drink with a high acid or sugar content will affect tooth discolouration. Try to avoid excessive use of these products. Very hot and very cold food and drink will cause fine cracking of the tooth enamel, which will allow pigments to penetrate the tooth surface and cause staining.

Smoking

Nicotine discolours smoker's teeth. The heavier they smoke, the heavier the staining on their teeth.

Dental Care

Regular and consistent dental care will help to maintain the health and colour of your teeth. You can't keep that bright, white smile without giving it good care and attention. Regular check-ups with your dentist and daily flossing and brushing your teeth with a non-abrasive tooth paste and a SOFT bristled brush will ensure that you keep your teeth whiter longer and that you will keep your teeth longer too. If you are on a regular course of medication then that could be a cause of tooth staining or darkening. Your dentist will advise you on this.

The Ageing Process

Although we have found the human gene responsible for the aging process, we cannot yet stop ourselves from aging, and darkening and yellowing of our teeth is all part of the ageing process. Teeth whitening products will whiten your teeth and give you back that bright and healthy smile.

Medication

Medications that can darken or stain teeth are: Antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline. Antihistamines and antidepressants. Chemotherapy and some mouthwashes and excessive levels of fluoride in drinking water are also culprits.

Maintaining Teeth Whiteness

Looking after your teeth is a commitment that pays dividends and helps to maintain that glowing smile. We have listed some easy to follow methods for you to follow.

The main knowledge is to know which foods stain and try to avoid them.

Foods with heavy staining properties such as cherries, berries, curries and sauces, such as soy and balsamic vinegar should be avoided. It is recommended that teeth should be cleaned as soon as possible after ingesting such foods.

Drinks such as tea and coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks like cola or cranberry juice are all responsible to some degree for teeth staining. Again brush the teeth after such foods or try using a drinking straw to minimise contact with the teeth.

Fruit such as apples or celery or raw vegetables are recommended as foods to finish a meal, as sticky foods are more likely to cause decay.

Drink water after each meal. This helps to prevent teeth staining and is also good for your health.

Teeth brushing is essential for good oral and general health. Cosmetically it keeps your teeth white and removes plague and maintains fresh breath.

When looking after you teeth keep this in mind

1 Brush teeth after each meal

2 Do not brush too hard

3 Brush in a circular motion

4 Use a soft bristle brush

5 Tooth brushes should regularly be renewed

6 Electric toothbrushes are a good investment

7 Don't forget to brush gums

8 Use a whitening toothpaste

9 Use floss and or interdental brush

10 Visit the dentist regularly