What Can Stain Your Teeth?

Teeth are an important structure in the human body. They help us chew food, help us speak, and provide support for our jaws. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. They might stain over time due to various factors which can make your smile look unattractive. Our dentist in Oakland, CA, can determine the factor and treat you accordingly.

The common factors include:

Foods

The most common (and obvious) cause of tooth staining is consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, and beets. Even healthy foods like berries and beets can cause tooth staining if you consume too much.

Beverages

Sodas and other carbonated beverages can cause major dental problems. The sugars in these drinks can wear away at your enamel, causing tooth decay. Sodas also have citric acid, which wears away the enamel on the teeth, exposing the dentin underneath. The acid in soda can also wear away the surface of the teeth, leaving them discolored as well.

Like soda, coffee also has both sugar and acid. Coffee can also cause your teeth to become discolored over time. If you suffer from stained teeth, you may want to limit your intake of both soda and coffee.

Tobacco

Tobacco products contain a variety of chemicals that can cause staining, including tar. Tar is naturally dark, so smokers are more likely to have yellowed or brown teeth. Additionally, tobacco products dry out your mouth, which increases your likelihood of developing tooth decay.

Medications

Many medications can cause your teeth to stain. This is especially the case with medications that discolor the saliva, such as antihistamines or prescription acne medications. Even over-the-counter medications can cause stains, so speak with your dentist if you’re concerned about your teeth.

Age

Age can be a risk factor when it comes to staining your teeth. One of the primary causes of tooth stains is exposure to common food and drink items. As you age, the enamel that protects your teeth may reduce in thickness. This can cause your teeth to become more vulnerable to stains.

While tooth discoloration may be common for people of any age, the older you get, the more vulnerable your teeth may be to stains.

Genetics

Your genetics has a major effect on how your teeth develop, as things like tooth shape and size are determined by genetics. However, genetics can also affect the color of your teeth.

Some people are born with teeth that are pale in color, while other people may have darker teeth. Generally, these color differences are due to the natural pigmentation of enamel. This pigmentation is more prominent in some people than others, causing their teeth to be either whiter or darker.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.