Stained Teeth: How to Avoid Common Causes and Whiten Your Teeth Again

Professional teeth whitening can drastically improve your smile’s appearance.

Stained teeth are no fun, and they are certainly no laughing matter. Not only that, but stained teeth are one of the main reasons people choose not to smile, which can cause sadness. Did you know that smiles are directly correlated with a more positive outlook on life, improved self-confidence, and happiness? It’s true. Try smiling sometime, and see how it makes you feel. 

Chances are the more you smile, the more you may experience a bit more of a pep in your step and improved interactions with others. So if you have stained teeth, now is the time to understand the root cause and take steps to whiten them and get your smile back.

5 Causes of Stained or Discolored Teeth

Before we talk about the ways you can whiten your teeth, let’s discuss the primary reasons people get stained teeth in the first place. Many adults don’t realize their behaviors contribute to it. Correcting some behaviors can be the key to maintaining whiter teeth long term. Check out this list of the primary causes of tooth discoloration.

1. Coffee, Tea, and Dark-Colored Beverages and Foods

Americans love their coffee and soda. But unfortunately, these beverages can lead to tooth discoloration. Similarly, certain fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranates, can stain your teeth too.

2. Medications

Although some medications are vital for maintaining overall health, they can negatively affect our teeth’s whiteness. In particular, tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth, especially for kids under eight who still have developing teeth. Antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure can also lead to yellow teeth. Also, certain mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can stain teeth, so be sure to ask your favorite dentist about cosmetic dental care in Wasilla, Alaska, and for recommendations on the best fluoride mouthwashes. 

3. Tobacco Usage

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products is a leading cause of stained teeth. Not only that, but using tobacco in any form is not good for your overall health. If you are a smoker, chew tobacco, or use tobacco in any way, now is the time to take steps to quit.

4. Age

As we get older, some yellowing of the teeth is mostly inevitable. The outer layer of enamel on our teeth wears away as we age, revealing the natural color of the dentin underneath, which is yellow.

5. Poor Dental Hygiene

Perhaps the area we can control most is unfortunately also a key cause for stained teeth. Failure to brush, floss, and rinse with a dentist-approved fluoridated mouthwash can cause plaque buildup on the teeth, making it harder and harder to completely remove the plaque on your own. 

To properly care for your teeth, brush twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, floss at bedtime or after meals to loosen particles that have become stuck between the teeth and gums. Finally, rinse away those loosened particles with a fluoridated mouthwash.

Teeth whitening can help you say “Hasta la vista” to stained teeth.

While changing your behaviors and adopting a good oral hygiene routine may help keep your stained teeth from getting worse, you may be able to achieve whiter and brighter teeth now with the help of professional teeth whitening. In-office or at-home professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. Whichever method you choose from Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla, Alaska, you can rest assured that teeth whitening is a safe, simple, and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment. 

Check out the differences between these two teeth whitening options. 

• In-office whitening treatments use prescription-strength whitening gel to produce amazing results in a single visit. 
• At-home professional whitening treatments use custom-made trays to evenly apply a prescription-strength whitening gel that breaks down surface stains and lightens the shade of your natural teeth. Treatment takes about two weeks, and by the end of that period, you can expect to see dramatic results.

Request a consultation with Valley Dental Clinic to discuss your tooth whitening options for your stained teeth.

If you are dreaming of whiter teeth near Anchorage, Alaska, then you have come to the right place. The first step in achieving your whiter and brighter smile is to schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla. During your consultation, we will determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening. 
In some cases, due to weakened enamel or intrinsic stains, we may recommend a different cosmetic dentistry solution such as crowns, Bioclear veneers, or porcelain veneers. With our expertise, you can feel confident knowing that your stained teeth can be a thing of the past. Request an appointment today.