Understanding the Science of Teeth Stains: What Causes Discoloration?

Your smile is the first thing people notice, so it can be uncomfortable when you know they’re not the pearly whites they once were. But that doesn’t mean your teeth can’t be white again.

At Lee Trevino Dental in El Paso, we understand how quickly people can feel insecure about their smile, but that’s where our expert staff can help. We offer high-quality teeth whitening services. Give us a call at (915) 593-8815 to learn more!

6 Common Tooth Discoloration Causes

Food and Drinks

The number one smile strainer is the very thing we need to sustain ourselves: dark food and drinks. Yes, that includes coffee. If you’re looking for ways to prevent your teeth from staining further, switch your coffee out for green or white tea that still offers caffeine benefits. However, if giving coffee up is too hard, opt for iced coffee, where you can use a straw to limit direct contact with your teeth. Similarly, when consuming dark foods, like dark chocolate, remember to rinse your mouth right after. Doing so can prevent the need for teeth whitening.

Tobacco Use

If you’re a smoker, we’re sorry to say but that may be the leading factor as to why your teeth are stained. Your tooth enamel absorbs stains from the tobacco smoke, and over time, your smile will become more dull. We recognize quitting is hard, but fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to you to help you quit or find other alternatives, such as nicotine patches or e-cigarettes.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing your teeth is one of the first things you do in the morning, all bleary-eyed with minimal effort. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. However, not brushing, flossing, or rinsing enough doesn’t remove plaque and other stain-producing substances. The only way to correct the issue is with El Paso teeth whitening services from your local dentist.

Disease

Unfortunately, health conditions such as liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiency, and eating disorders lead to teeth discoloration. In this case, regular teeth whitening in El Paso is necessary to get the results you desire. 

Medications

For children under the age of 8, when given the antibiotic stetracycline or doxycycline, these can stain their teeth. For adults, antihistamines like Benadryl, high blood pressure medication, and antipsychotic drugs can cause teeth discoloration. It may be a surprise to you, but even some mouthwashes with chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do.

Aging and Genetics

Sometimes, the answer is simple: it’s in your genes. For some people, they have naturally brighter or thicker enamels than others. Similarly, as you age, the outer layer of your enamel wears away, revealing the natural color of your teeth, which are prone to staining.

Teeth Whitening Services in El Paso

Our dental team at Lee Trevino Dental offers a wide range of services with the promise of incredible results. We use state-of-the-art equipment to bring your smile back to life. Call (915) 593-8815 to book an appointment today!

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