Top Causes of Tooth Discoloration

If you’re like many Americans, your shining smile might be looking a little dull these days. Finding that your pearly whites are looking more like pearly beige is nothing to smile about. Have you ever been curious why your teeth discolor or yellow and what you can do about it? Your Vista family dentist Stacy Kirner Felix, DMD and team have compiled a list of the top causes of tooth discoloration. Many are actually preventable, too!

Foods & Drinks That Discolor Teeth

Some of the most fiendish culprits might be known to you: red wine, coffee, and soda. But certain fruits and veggie are also to blame. Frequent consumption of blueberries, pomegranates, and cherries can stain teeth.

Medications That Affect Your Mouth

This one is harder to ‘prevent’ when you have medications that you need to take. Antibiotics such as tetracycline (often used to treat acne) are known to discolor teeth, especially in younger kids where teeth are still forming.

Dental Hygiene Issues

If you don’t brush and floss frequently, you are doing your smile a real disservice. When staining foods and beverages are left to linger, their effects are harder to reverse. Think about that spaghetti you left for a week in the tupperware. The problem is, tossing your teeth in the bin isn’t an option when they get dingy!

Your Age Affects Your Teeth Color

As you grow older, the natural enamel of your teeth erodes away. This exposes your ‘dentin’ beneath, which is naturally yellowish in color. A lifetime of healthy dental habits will definitely serve you well to prevent this from being extreme.

It’s All in the Genes

We wish it weren’t so, but some people just have naturally whiter, brighter smiles due to the amount of enamel on their teeth to begin with. If you are one of the lucky few, we encourage you to take care of your smile to keep it healthy and white.

If your smile is not as white as you would like, you’re in luck! Your friendly dental staff in Vista, CA can help with that. We have various options to help you, such as in-office whitening with professional products for better results. We also offer Veneers if you have more extensive damage.