How Do Teeth Get Stained?
Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Raleigh & nearby areas
Even if you take good care of your teeth, you might be frustrated at times by the appearance of discoloration in your smile. Stained teeth aren’t always an indicator of bad dental health habits, and multiple cosmetic dentistry treatments are available for making your pearly whites white once more.
Tooth discoloration has many different causes. Some of the top staining agents are:
- Foods like cherries, berries, and dark sauces
- Drinks like coffee, tea, sodas, and red wine
- Plaque buildup
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Medications, including certain antihistamines, drugs for high blood pressure, and tetracycline antibiotics
- Fluoride, either from drinking water or store-bought products
Some people also simply have teeth that are a darker shade. Furthermore, the color of teeth changes with age: Baby teeth tend to be lighter than permanent teeth, for example, and wear on enamel would be less pronounced in a young adult’s smile than it would be for an older patient.
The best cosmetic dentistry treatment for removing stains from your smile will depend on what caused the discoloration. Teeth whitening is an obvious choice, but other aesthetic procedures like bonding, veneers, and porcelain restorations are also options for severe discoloration that won’t respond to bleaching.
If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile and you’d like to hear more about how to remove stains, please contact Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles or call 252-291-2892 today for an appointment. Our cosmetic dentists serve patients in and around Greenville, NC.