Why Are my Teeth So Stained?

One day you might look at yourself in the mirror or in a photograph and wonder, when did my teeth get so stained? What happened? What can I do about it? You are not alone. Tooth discoloration is a natural part of aging. Our tooth enamel, which is white, begins to thin. The layer beneath the enamel is called dentin, and it’s yellowish. Thinning enamel reveals this yellow layer, resulting in a dingy smile.
One of the worst things you can do for your body in general is to smoke, but it is also one of the worst sources of discoloration for teeth. Smokers often have deep tobacco stains that have penetrated deeply into the grooves, pits and cracks of their tooth enamel. Brushing will never remove these stains, and the longer a smoker has smoked, the deeper these stains go and the more difficult they are to eradicate.
Some types of antibacterial mouthwashes can stain your teeth, particularly those containing cetylpyridinium or chlorhexidine. Some prescription medications such as some types for blood pressure, antipsychotics, antihistamines and antibiotics can lead to tooth discoloration, as can excess fluoride or iron.
Foods containing tomato sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can stain your teeth. Beets, blueberries and blackberries can also leave discoloration. Consuming dark sodas, coffee, tea and red wine may leave residual color on your teeth. Reduce the effectiveness of these food-and-drink-based stains by brushing after meals or rinsing with water.
Your dentist in Bastrop can be an excellent source of information regarding your diet, lifestyle and habits that are affecting your teeth each day. Address these issues with your dentist so you can treat yourself to a brighter, whiter smile.
Schedule your appointment at our Bastrop dental office