People often think that stains on the teeth only come from poor oral hygiene. Although poor oral hygiene is the main contributor, the fact remains that even the best and most taken care of teeth become discoloured over time.
Teeth can become stained from a number of substances such as juice, coffee, cola, red wine and there are a few antibiotics that can cause it. There are many factors that contribute to stained teeth, including diet, certain habits and obviously poor oral hygiene, but did you know that teeth stain naturally?
Here are a few of the top natural stains which can make your smile look a little washed-out:
Types of Foods:
Most people think that food will only stain your teeth if you don’t brush after every meal, but the truth is that many different types of food can cause natural stains on your teeth. Soy sauce, berries, black tea, coffee, red wines, curries, cola and red fruit juices all contribute to stained teeth…any food or drink that’s acidic and even a sudden change from hot to cold can cause your teeth to stain, naturally. The only thing you can really do to prevent these from staining your teeth is to limit how often you eat these foods and to be sure to rinse with water or mouthwash as soon as possible after!
Tobacco:
Aside from causing a huge range of health problems including cancer, tobacco is responsible for causing yellow and stained teeth. Any type of tobacco can stain your teeth: cigars, cigarettes, pipes and chews all cause discolouration and yellowing on your teeth.
Certain kinds of drugs:
When used in excess, fluoride can cause tooth discoloration in children, as can tetracycline and derivative compounds of tetracycline such as minocycline and doxycycline. Minocycline has also been reported to cause teeth discoloration in adults. Ask your doctor whether your medication contains any of the substances we’ve just mentioned.
It is possible to have and maintain a clean, plaque-free smile, by visiting us at Suter Brook Dental as often as we recommend and investing in your oral health care by brushing and flossing every day.
Not happy with the colour of your teeth? No problem! For the month of May only, Suter Brook Dental is offering take-home whitening kits for only $100! Come in to pick yours up today!