Tooth Stains – Everything You Need To Know About Them

Dental stains are an unfortunate consequence of consuming certain foods and beverages. Some foods and drinks, such as berries, coffee, tea, wine, and soda, have a natural coloring that creates stains on your teeth. Other foods, such as tomato sauce and soy sauce, can stain your teeth if they are consumed frequently or in large amounts.

What are dental stains?

Dental stains refer to yellow, brown, grey, or tan discolorations that develop on teeth over time. These occur when the enamel - the hard outer layer of your teeth - is stained by things such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.

The enamel is the protective exterior surface of your teeth. Although tough and sturdy, it can still be damaged when exposed to certain substances. The following sections will discuss some of the main causes behind discolored teeth and offer suggestions for how to remove them.

Smoking and tobacco use are some of the most common causes of tooth staining. In addition to being unsightly, these stains can be damaging to your dental health. 

What are the reasons for stained teeth?

The enamel of the tooth is the outermost white surface of the tooth; it protects the dentin, which is the layer below the enamel. It’s common for the enamel to stain because of anything from foods and drinks consumed to medications and traumas. But these stains can be reversed through proper oral care with your dentist!

A number of factors cause the yellowing of the teeth. For example, certain antibiotics change the chemistry of saliva, leaving it prone to decay and yellowing. Over time, the enamel will thin out, exposing the dentin layer beneath. This can lead to discoloration and darkening of the teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup can lead to staining. This occurs when bacteria in the plaque eat away at the tooth enamel, causing holes or lesions to form. These allow the yellow-colored substance inside the tooth, called dentin, to show through the enamel. After that, brushing and/or flossing regularly can prevent these lesions from forming.

In addition to improper oral hygiene, some foods and beverages can cause the teeth to become stained. Food and drinks with dark pigments, like coffee, tea, berries, wine, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauce, can discolor your teeth. Other culprits include mouthwashes, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. today. It also causes severe oral health problems and is considered a risk factor for gum disease.

How to get rid of teeth stains?

A beautiful smile is not just about white teeth but rather bright, clean, strong, and healthy-looking teeth. While you may think that daily brushing and flossing keep your teeth clean and healthy, you may not realize that there are other factors that lead to plaque and food residue accumulation on your teeth. By understanding the causes of stained teeth and taking action to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful, you can make the most of your smile and feel confident sharing it with the world.

Regular appointments at the dentist’s office are also crucial to maintaining good oral health and preventing unsightly staining. Professional cleanings can remove buildup on the teeth and polish away surface stains on the enamel. Your dentist may also recommend professional whitening treatments to remove deeper-set stains. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kossi, DDS, at Smile City Dental in Santa Clarita, California, to learn more tips for maintaining a healthy smile. You can reach us by calling (661) 252-8888, scheduling an appointment online, or visiting us at 19366 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 now.