Many different factors impact the look of your teeth, and understanding them will help you enjoy a bright, healthy smile for life. That’s why many dentists warn their patients about the following issues that contribute to staining and discoloration.

What Are Some Common Causes of Tooth Stains?

1. Smoking

Substances in cigarettes, such as nicotine, cause teeth to take on a yellowish appearance. Smoking also causes many other dental issues, including an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. If you smoke, taking steps to quit now will greatly benefit your oral health.

2. Drinking Coffee

Coffee, tea, and red wine contain tannins, which cause pigments in beverages to stick to teeth. Drinking these beverages every day for many years will cause discoloration, even with just one serving a day. Prevent staining by drinking through a straw or increasing your consumption of fibrous foods, such as apples, which have natural scrubbing abilities. 

3. Poor Dental Care

Brushing and flossing are essential aspects of good oral health. When plaque remains on teeth, it can cause discoloration as well as tooth decay and gingivitis. Along with at-home care, visit your dentist twice a year for thorough dental cleanings. 

4. Medications

Young children can develop stains on teeth when taking certain medications. For example, antibiotics and allergy medicines can contribute to discolored teeth over time. 

The brighter your smile, the more confidence you’ll portray to others. In Kamuela, HI, Brian S. Kubo, DDS, is invested in helping his patients improve their smiles. Along with preventative care like checkups and teeth cleanings, this dentist offers teeth whitening procedures to remove existing stains. Veneers are another option to conceal stains and correct other dental defects. Visit the website to learn more about these services, or call (808) 885-8465 to schedule an appointment with this trusted dentist.