On a scale of paper white to brown, how white are your teeth? Have you been noticing that your teeth are not as white as they used to be a few years back? You, my friend, maybe suffering from teeth staining. Staining occurs when teeth lose their enamel luminosity. Let’s dive into what causes teeth staining and its treatment to help you keep a bright and healthy smile.

What causes discolorations?

Teeth staining or browning is caused by many factors, both external and internal.

• Food & Drinks

A high color concentration in food might lead to teeth staining. It has been reported that consumption of coffee, wines, carbonated drinks, and some fruits and vegetables like beetroots over time have led to teeth changing color. Smoking and chewing tobacco also affect teeth coloring.

• Medication

Though meant for good, some medicines are known to discolor teeth, especially to the little ones. Some of these drugs affect the enamel formation and eventual teeth color. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation also lead to teeth discoloration.

• Poor Hygiene

Brushing teeth is an instinctive habit. However, not brushing properly or forgetting to floss and remove food particles in between teeth leads to plaque formation, which changed the teeth color.

• Aging

Have you ever noticed that elderly teeth look brownish? This is caused by translucency. The older you grown, the more the white layer of your teeth wears off. The yellow dentin is then exposed

How is teeth discoloration prevented and treated?

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. You should book an appointment with your dentist for examination and diagnosis. It is also important to note that only natural teeth can be whitened. Ventures, crowns, dentures, and crowns are made out of synthetic materials that cannot be whitened.

• What can I do from home?

As a preventative measure, stay away or regulate your intake of stain related foods, drinks, and tobacco. Clean your teeth correctly by using the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss daily to prevent plaque build-up and remove food particles in the nooks that your toothbrush can’t reach.

• Seeking professional treatment

Depending on your diagnosis, your dentist may recommend a professional teeth-whitening procedure. The concentration of the whiteners and the products used varies from patient to patient.

Your doctor may also recommend a dental bonding procedure. Here, a white resin is applied to your teeth and it gets hardened using a special light.

Dental crowns are like teeth covers placed on your teeth to protect your natural teeth from stains.

Teeth discoloration reduces self-esteem. But the good news is that it is preventable and treatable. Book an appointment with your dentist today for professional help.