We all strive for a healthy-looking smile, and having whiter teeth is a great way to start! Unfortunately, there are many reasons why your teeth may become discoloured or stained, giving them a yellow or brown tint that may make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Fortunately, most reasons for teeth staining can be avoided or treated with dental treatment such as teeth whitening.

In this post our dentists in Lancaster discuss the most common reasons for teeth staining, and what can be done to treat it.

What are the causes of teeth staining?

• Food and drinks

Certain foods can cause discolouration of the teeth. Vibrant berries such as raspberries, blackberries and cherries, starchy foods such as pasta and potatoes, and dark sauces such as soy sauce, curry sauce and tomato sauce are some of the more common foods that can cause staining.

Drinks like tea, coffee and red wine are also known for causing teeth staining, as well as carbonated drinks which can eat away at the enamel.

• Smoking

Smoking tobacco regularly can also contribute to tooth discolouration, as well as several other dental health issues such as gum disease, tooth loss and mouth cancer. Smoking can cause the teeth to turn yellow, brown and in some cases black.

• Age

One of the less preventable causes of stained teeth is ageing. As we get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing the dentin underneath, which gives the teeth a more yellow appearance.

• Poor dental hygiene

Another cause of discoloured teeth is of course poor dental hygiene. Not brushing or flossing your teeth causes food particles and plaque to build up, which can change the colour of the teeth over time.

How to remove stains on your teeth

• Improve your dental hygiene

The first thing to try if you are experiencing tooth discolouration is to maintain good dental hygiene. Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. If you are eating or drinking any of the foods or drinks mentioned previously, try to brush straight away afterwards to minimise the risk of staining before it happens. You should also visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional clean and to check for any other dental health concerns.

• Teeth Whitening

If dental hygiene alone doesn’t improve the brightness of your teeth, you can try a teeth whitening treatment, such as the ones we offer here at Viva Dental in Lancaster. This can help to remove stains and will give you a brighter, whiter smile. We offer both at-home or in-surgery teeth whitening so you can choose an option that suits you.

• Veneers

Another option for stained teeth is veneers. Veneers are a very thin shell of porcelain that is attached to the front of your teeth to change the colour, shape and size of the teeth. If you are concerned about the colour of your teeth, veneers can replace the natural teeth and make them appear whiter.

If you would like to achieve a whiter smile, you can book a consultation via our contact page to book a consultation so that we can find the right treatment option for you.