Why are your teeth discoloured or stained?

At John Street Dental, your local Redcliffe Dentist,  we have seen and heard it all. One of the most commonly asked questions are “Why do our teeth stain or become discoloured?”

Here are a few things we’d like to share with you about how this occurs.

There are many possible reasons that our teeth become discoloured or stained.  The main factor is the types of food and drinks we consume. Foods such as curries, pasta sauce and berries and the most common drinks are tea, coffee, red wine, sports and soft drinks.  By drinking water afterwards this will help prevent the stain from starting to take hold.  Brushing regularly also combats the onset of staining and discolouration.

Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.

Discolouration can occur when baby teeth or permanent teeth have had some sort of trauma, as the internal structure of the tooth has been affected  – thus the enamel appears to be discoloured.

Factors such as ageing and genetics can affect the appearance of our teeth.  As we age, our teeth can become thinner through erosion, thus revealing the natural yellow colour of dentine.  Unfortunately we can’t really prevent this from happening but consultation with your local dentist can give you a range of options for maximising the aesthetics of our teeth.

Some medications and health issues can also contribute to discoloured teeth.  Antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolour teeth when given to children before the age of 8.  Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can also stain teeth.

Inadequate brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can cause tooth discolouration.  Visiting your local Redcliffe Dentist for regular cleans will help you keep discoloration at bay.

If the appearance of your teeth are are bothering you and you wish to seek a professional opinion to help you take control of your smile, contact us by calling (07)  3284 4281 or book online.