Why Do Our Teeth Get Stained?

A bright, healthy smile is one of the nicest things to carry through life. So it can be disheartening when your teeth start to look a little dull or dingy. The reassuring news is that there are clear reasons teeth lose their brightness, and plenty you can do about most of them.

Here’s a look at why staining happens, and answers to the questions we hear most often.

The main causes of staining

Tooth discolouration comes from a handful of common sources. Foods and drinks are major contributors, as are smoking and other tobacco use. Some staining develops from particles working into the enamel over time, and some is simply down to ageing, as the layer beneath the enamel naturally darkens.

Understanding which of these is at play helps you target your prevention, and decide whether everyday habits or professional whitening is the right path.

How can I prevent staining?

Happily, keeping stains at bay is fairly straightforward. Go easy on the foods and drinks most likely to stain, quit smoking if you can, and keep up a solid oral care routine: brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals can help too, as can seeing your dentist at least twice a year.

Which foods and drinks stain most?

As a rule, the more vividly coloured something is, the more likely it is to stain. Among foods, red pasta sauces, berries (blueberries and raspberries especially), soy sauce and balsamic vinegar are common culprits. Among drinks, dark or bold ones like cola, coffee, red wine and tea top the list. You don’t have to avoid them entirely, rinsing with water afterward helps limit their effect.

Do braces stain teeth?

It’s a common worry, but braces themselves don’t stain teeth. Any mild marks visible after braces come off usually reflect how the teeth were cared for while the braces were on. Keeping up good hygiene, and avoiding whitening products while wearing braces (so you don’t over-whiten around the brackets), helps avoid that uneven result.

Are all stains reversible?

Teeth stain in a few different ways, on the surface, below the surface, and through age-related changes, and different whitening approaches suit different types. The best way to know what’s achievable for your particular staining is to ask. If you’d like a brighter smile, get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to talk through suitable whitening options.