Why Are My Teeth Badly Discolored?

Are you wondering why celebrities have immaculately white teeth while yours are as yellow as the afternoon sun? If it’s not in their genes, it’s none other than professional teeth whitening in Birmingham. Millions of Americans are obsessed with whiter teeth, which explains why dental offices are flocked with patients complaining about hideous tooth stains and discoloration.

Yellow teeth will surely dent your self-esteem. The good news is that your cosmetic dentist can remove stubborn tooth stains so you can have a bright and dazzling smile!  However, it’s essential to know how tooth stains develop and how you can avoid them.

What are the Causes of Tooth Stains?

Food and Beverages  

Did you know that the food and beverages you consume can directly affect the color of your teeth? Your teeth are just like your skin. They contain numerous pores, making them highly absorbent to whatever you put inside your mouth.

Some of the notorious food and drinks that cause tooth stains are wine, coffee, tea, soda, and pasta sauce. If you want to protect your smile against discoloration, you should rinse your mouth with water right after eating or drinking.  

Tooth Decay

The primary reason why your dentist wants you to brush and floss every day is to stop plaque and bacteria from accumulating on your teeth. If you aren’t diligent with brushing and flossing, the bacteria in plaque will release strong acids that weaken and erode your enamel, causing the yellowish layer underneath to become more visible.

Besides enamel erosion, another reason to brush and floss is to avoid cavity and tooth decay formation. Tooth decay can also leave dark spots on your teeth.

Aging

As you age, your body undergoes certain changes. Aging does not only cause wrinkles and fine lines to show on your face, but it also impacts the color of your teeth. Have you noticed that older people have yellow teeth? The cause of this discoloration can be owed to normal wear and tear of the enamel, exposing the yellowish layer underneath.

Smoking Tobacco  

Are you a chronic smoker? Do you chew tobacco? Anything that has nicotine can discolor your teeth as nicotine contains agents responsible for causing stubborn tooth stains. Unfortunately, stains from nicotine are more challenging to remove.    

How Do Cosmetic Dentists Address Tooth Stains?

Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers teeth whitening treatments that are safe and effective in brightening up your smile. Your dentist will first examine the condition of your teeth to determine what’s causing the stains.

After the assessment, your dentist will present a treatment plan customized to your needs. Some of the popular teeth whitening treatments are in-office professional teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, and dental bonding.

Do You Have Questions About Professional Teeth Whitening in Birmingham?

At Dr. Church, Family Dental, we strive to provide you with the best dental services with our wide array of cosmetic dental treatments. Our goal is to give you the absolute best experience from top to bottom.  

We take pride in our years of experience in the industry. We are also proud of our dental practice as we have all the tools needed to bring out your most beautiful smile while simultaneously improving your oral health. Contact us today to learn more.