Tooth stains and discolouration are common dental problems that occur now and then but these are preventable and treatable. Eating a good meal and taking regular care of oral health can help you avoid stains from your teeth. Tooth stains can be observed due to consumption of coffee, tea, aerated drinks and red wine. Other factors such as chewing tobacco and smoking regularly can cause tooth discolourations. Let’s understand how to prevent teeth from staining.
Understanding the Causes of Teeth Staining
Teeth stains are very common oral issues that can be noticed frequently. Before getting into how to prevent it, we also need to understand the causes of teeth staining. There are many factors for discolouration such as -
Poor Oral Hygiene- Not brushing regularly, and not flossing can cause teeth discolouration. It is recommended by the dentist to brush regularly twice a day to avoid many oral issues.
Tobacco and Smoking- Chewing tobacco and regularly smoking can give your teeth a layer of discolouration.
Food and Drinks- Consuming aerated drinks, coffee, dark chocolate, tea, red wine, berries and soy sauce can cause discolouration of teeth. Learn more about foods that stain your teeth here.
Medications- Certain medicine intake also causes grey-brown discolouration.
Oral disease- Many diseases that affect your enamel and dentin cause discolouration.
Ageing- Ageing also causes discoloration. As you age, your teeth are more prone to stains.
Types of Tooth Stains
Tooth discolouration can occur due to stains on the surface of your teeth and changes in your tooth materials. To get an answer for how to prevent yellow teeth, it is important to understand the types of teeth stains you have. Doctors have identified three types of stains to look out for.
Extrinsic tooth stains- Extrinsic tooth stains are stains on the surface of your tooth. It typically occurs due to regular consumption of tobacco products and drinking coffee, tea and red wine which leaves a stain on your teeth’s enamel. These stains are easy to remove.
Intrinsic tooth stains- Intrinsic tooth stains are stains below the surface of the tooth. These can be caused by certain medications and health problems. These stains affect the dentin and the sensitive layer inside the tooth. These are harder to remove.
Age-related stains- As you grow older, your teeth also become weaker and the enamel that covers your teeth becomes thinner allowing dentin to show through.
Staining by Colour
It is usually observed that teeth stains change their colour from yellow to brown to black. But, what do these colours tell about your teeth and how can you prevent them from yellowing?
Yellow- Yellow discolouration is caused by
- Red wine stains on teeth
- Coffee and tea stains
- Carbonated drinks
- A diet with high sugar
- Dry mouth
Brown- Brown discolouration is caused by
- Chewing tobacco
- Coffee stains and tea
- Fruits like blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates
- Untreated tooth decay
Black- Black colour is usually noticed when a dental cavity is formed at the surface of your teeth.
Tips to Prevent Teeth Staining
There are many ways to prevent your teeth from yellowing. There are many products and procedures that help prevent yellow teeth but the foremost is taking good care of your oral health.
Regular brushing- Brushing regularly twice a day can help you avoid stained teeth. You can also use products which has teeth whitening effects such as Perfora’s Teeth Whitening Toothpaste.
Limit consumption of staining foods- Limit eating food that contains colouration and stains your teeth. Avoid consuming coffee, tea, red wine and fruits such as blueberries, pomegranate and blackberries.
Clean your teeth- Always clean your teeth after consuming food that can leave a stain on your teeth. Drink water or milk after eating.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables- Eat fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots which contain natural fibre to clean your mouth as well as your teeth.
Chew sugar-free gums- Chewing sugar-free gums gives your mouth a freshen-up feeling and also helps you avoid stains on your teeth.
Baking Soda- Use baking soda to whiten your teeth.
Visit your dentist- Visit your dentist regularly once every 6 months to get your routine checkups done. You can also use Perfora’s Teeth Whitening Pen for instant results.
Conclusion
Teeth stains or discolouration is a common concern seen around oral health. It is often caused by consuming food and drinks which can leave a coloured effect on the surface of your teeth. This discolouration is typically preventable and treatable. However, if you observe discolouration for a longer period then it is advisable to consult a dental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stained Teeth: -
1. Can yellow teeth become white?
Answer- Yes, yellow teeth can become white with several dental procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding and crown procedures and also by taking regular care of your teeth.
2. How do I stop my teeth from being yellow?
Answer- By practicing good dental hygiene, brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. Use charcoal-based toothpaste to brush your teeth.
3. What is the cause of yellowish teeth?
Answer- Bad oral hygiene causes plaque which leads to discolouration. Eating food and drinks such as coffee, red wine, blueberries, blackberries and pomegranate, chewing tobacco and smoking causes yellowish teeth.