You’ve likely seen the commercials for at-home teeth whitening or have seen a new tooth whitening product while scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. You may have even heard of teeth whitening services at your dentist office. No doubt, you’ve looked at your teeth and noticed they may not be as white as you would like them to be. You likely have an idea how to “fix” it, but do you know what causes teeth staining and how to prevent it? Our professional dental team is here to answer these, and more, of your questions about teeth staining.

What causes teeth staining? 

Tooth discoloration happens when enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, is stained by products like coffee, tea, tobacco and red wine. In addition to producing a yellowed look, these products can also cause teeth to appear dark in color or black. Treatments such as laser dentistry and dental veneers can be used to restore the appearance of your teeth, so you no longer have to be embarrassed by your discolored smile. For more information on tooth discoloration, contact us at (845) 562-1108 to schedule an appointment today.

How can I prevent teeth staining? 

To prevent staining your teeth, there are some easy steps you can take to protect your pearly whites. For example, you should regularly brush and floss your teeth. If you have time, you can also rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after eating or drinking. You should also avoid things like smoking and coffee, as they can stain your teeth. If you are interested in learning more about how to get whiter teeth, you should visit your our office and ask Dr. Koumas for his advice. He can go over the different options with you, and suggest the best course of action for your situation.

What foods stain your teeth?  

Foods that are bright or bold in color are the most likely to stain your teeth. Red pasta sauces, berries such as blueberries and raspberries, and bright curries all can contribute to teeth staining.

What drinks cause teeth staining? 

Foods that can stain your teeth can be divided into two main categories: acidic foods, and foods with pigments or dyes. The most common acidic stain-causing foods include soda, red wine, berries, and citrus fruits. Foods that are high in pigments or dyes include beets, carrots, dark soy sauce, dark berries, and black tea.

What other factors contribute to discoloration?

The main two factors that contribute to discoloration are age and how often you consume the foods that can stain your teeth. Teeth naturally become darker over time as the enamel wears down. The more you consume foods and beverages with pigments or dyes, the faster the discoloration will occur. It is also important to note that excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages can leadto more rapid discoloration of teeth over time.

What can I do to prevent my teeth from getting stained?

The best way to prevent your teeth from getting stained is to limit the amount of time that you consume the foods and beverages that cause staining. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy by maintaining a balanced diet, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups will also prevent your teeth from discoloration.

Does green tea stain your teeth? 

According to Colgate.com, teas of all colors erode enamel and have been shown to stain teeth- even white and green teas.

Do braces stain your teeth? 

Sometimes mild stains are visible once braces are removed, but it’s not the braces, it’s the way the teeth were taken care of while the braces were on.  Follow the other suggestions for preventing stains and avoid using whitening products while wearing braces so you don’t over whiten the area of your teeth surrounding the brackets.

Does charcoal help with teeth staining? 

Charcoal is often used as a natural product for a wide range of purposes. Some people use it for their pets or for beauty products, for example. However, some people claim that charcoal can also be an effective teeth whitener. Here is the information you should consider before trying this method.

What is Charcoal?

Charcoal is a natural product that is produced by burning the wood. The main feature of this material is that it can absorb large amounts of water or any other liquids. This feature has made it quite popular for many people, especially for those whose teeth are stained by consuming too much coffee or tea.

Are all types of tooth stains reversible? 

There are three primary ways teeth are stained: surface stains; under the surface stains; and age-related stains. All three can benefit from teeth whitening processes.

Ok, so now you may be telling yourself, I know the culprit of my stained teeth and I think I’m ready to brighten my smile. What do I need to know about teeth whitening?

How do I know if I need teeth whitening? 

If you feel your teeth could be whiter, talk to your dentist about whether or not they recommend the treatment. The condition of your teeth, as well as the cause of the stains, will help your dentist determine your best options.

Do whitening products really help with teeth staining? 

There are a variety of teeth whitening products available that offer different results, pros and cons, and pricing. Learn more about the teeth whitening options here to find which one(s) to talk to about with your dentist.

When is the best time to do teeth whitening? 

If you want to look good and feel great, you might consider getting your teeth whitened. It’s a great way to update your look and brighten your smile. However, it might not be the best time to whiten your teeth if you’re planning on getting it done on a vacation. You might want to do it before a vacation or just after a vacation so you can enjoy them with a beautiful smile.

Is teeth whitening permanent? 

When you want to whiten your teeth, you’ll be able to see results instantly. However, you may find that the results of your teeth whitening procedure won’t be permanent. This is because your teeth will likely return to their original color after a few days or weeks. So, you may need to touch up your teeth whitening procedure in the future.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening? 

Some patients may experience sensitivity with their teeth after a treatment to reverse teeth staining. Over or misuse of whitening products can damage enamel and cause permanent discoloration.

How much does teeth whitening cost? 

It depends; over-the-counter teeth whitening can be less than $50, while professional teeth whitening done at the dentist’s office can cost a couple hundred dollars or more.

You had questions, we had answers. Now that you’re armed with information, you will be better able to prevent and address teeth staining.

Concerned about teeth staining? Want a brighter, whiter smile?  We can help – ask about our take home teeth whitening special!