What causes tooth discoloration?

Everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile. It’s often the first feature that someone notices when they meet us. If you’re looking for ways to brighten your teeth, try first looking at your routine and habits to see why discoloration may be occurring.  

Here’s some common reasons for tooth discoloration and ways to minimize it.  

Food and beverages 

Dark colored beverages like coffee, tea, soda and wine are all culprits of tooth discoloration. Consuming these drinks repeatedly over time can stain your smile. By limiting consumption of these drinks or rinsing your teeth with water afterwards, you can prevent staining.  

Poor oral hygiene 

Another reason for stained teeth is inadequate brushing and flossing. Over time, this can cause tar and plaque to build up on tooth enamel, which leads to discoloration. To prevent this, be sure to brush teeth every morning and night for approximately two minutes each time. Daily flossing is also an important part of healthy dental hygiene.  

Aging  

Tooth discoloration is normal as we age. It’s natural for tooth enamel to wear down over the years, and this can cause a more yellowish color to appear. Proper dental care and regular dental check-ups can help slow down this process. But if you’re concerned about the appearance of your teeth, you can ask your dentist about whitening procedures or dental veneers.  

Having a white smile doesn’t necessarily mean you have a healthy smile. It’s important to visit your dentist at least once every six months, so if it’s been a while, make an appointment with Jackson Dental!

Call us at 573-243-5200 or visit our office on 3100 E Jackson Blvd. in Jackson to schedule your next appointment today.