Common Causes of Teeth Staining

Common Causes of Teeth Staining

What causes discolored Teeth?


Every year millions of dollars are spent on teeth whitening products and treatments administered by dentists in Kitchener. Many different causes and factors can be attributed to the staining of your teeth over time. In order to reduce the amount of damage done to the teeth, a person will have to take the time to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Here are just a few different factors that may cause your teeth to stain.


Food

Because the enamel on your teeth is very porous, it is easy for dark colored foods to absorb into the pores subsequently staining your teeth. Food and drinks such as coffee and blueberries are notorious for being able to leave your teeth stained after you ingest them. You do not have to completely avoid these things, just cutting back a bit can drastically reduce staining.


Tobacco

One of the most well-known offenders of teeth staining, tobacco, is horrible for your health and your teeth. Most tobacco products contain thousands of harmful chemicals that can horribly stain your teeth. It doesn't matter if you smoke or chew the tobacco, the tar and nicotine get into your mouth and stain your teeth badly. The tar is a harmful byproduct that is produced when the tobacco is condensed down for consumption.


Medications

One of the most common side effects associated with prescription medication, is the staining of teeth due to chemical reactions. Tetracycline is one of the most common chemicals linked with teeth staining. Most pediatricians refuse to prescribe children any medications with Tetracycline because of the risk of teeth staining. Pregnant women who consume medication with tetracycline may run the risk of passing the side effect onto their unborn child. The possibility of this risk is the highest when the medication is taken in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy.


Diseases

Some diseases and treatment of diseases have been linked to severe teeth staining. The administration of chemotherapy to cancer patients has been known to cause staining, especially when the chemotherapy is given around the neck or head of the patient.

There are many different products in the market that claim to whiten your teeth. The best way to ensure your teeth are whitened properly is by scheduling a visit to your dentist. There the dentist can administer proven teeth whitening procedures. Trying to achieve success with over the counter teeth whiteners is nearly impossible due to the ineffectiveness that these treatments have. By going to the dentist, you will be able to get the help that you need.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Bharti Talreja (MBBS, DPM, FAGE, MIPS)

She is a Psychiatrist practising in Botad, India.