Teeth Discoloration: Causes And Solutions

Your favourite foods and drinks could be contributing to teeth discolouration. Dark-coloured beverages like coffee, tea, red wine and certain sodas may contain chromogens – substances that produce stains. Additionally, foods like berries, soy sauce and tomato sauce can leave behind pigments that adhere to the enamel, leading to a duller appearance over time.

Solution:

Consider moderating the consumption of these items or rinsing your mouth with water immediately after consuming them. Professional teeth whitening can also help remove stubborn stains.

Tobacco use can also be one of the potential causes of teeth discolouration. Nicotine and tar in tobacco products can create stubborn stains on your teeth. Over time, these substances can penetrate the enamel and cause yellow or brown discolouration.

Solution:

Quitting smoking or using tobacco products may be an effective way to prevent further staining. For existing discolouration, a personalised whitening treatment could be beneficial. These treatments are customised to your needs, potentially providing a more focused approach to whitening.

Inadequate brushing, flossing and irregular dental check-ups might result in the build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause teeth to appear yellow. Poor dental hygiene may also allow stains from food and beverages to linger longer, potentially making discolouration more noticeable.

Solution:

Maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine is essential. Typically, it is advised to brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. If discolouration continues, you can consider a professional whitening treatment, which may help provide a deep cleansing.

As you age, the enamel on your teeth may naturally wear away, gradually revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. This process often leads to discolouration, which can be difficult to avoid.

Solution:

While ageing is a natural process, professional teeth whitening might help mitigate its effects. Whitening treatments could reduce the appearance of ageing on your teeth, potentially giving you a more youthful look. Discussing your specific needs with dental professionals may help create a personalised plan.

Certain medications and medical treatments can lead to teeth discolouration. For instance, antibiotics can affect the enamel and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation for cancer may also result in discolouration.

Solution:

Consult your dentist to explore suitable whitening options. Customised treatments can address these specific types of discolouration, offering a more personalised solution.

Excessive fluoride exposure, especially during the early years of tooth development, might contribute to a condition known as dental fluorosis. This condition could result in the formation of white or brown spots on the teeth. Fluoride is often present in drinking water, toothpaste and certain mouth rinses.

Solution:

It might be beneficial to keep an eye on the fluoride levels in your drinking water and follow your dentist’s recommendations for fluoride-containing products. If dental fluorosis has developed, professional treatments such as whitening or veneers can help improve the appearance of your teeth.

At Honeysuckle Dental, we understand that teeth discolouration can affect your confidence and overall well-being. Our team offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to assist our patients. If you’re concerned about teeth discolouration, contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.