What Causes Tooth Discoloration And How To Treat It

Written By Meghan Belnap / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

If you have ever wondered why actors and actresses have nice white teeth you’re not alone. Many people suffer from teeth discoloration and wonder what causes their teeth to be discolored. Here are some causes of tooth discoloration and how to reverse it.

Foods and Drinks

Enjoying an occasional coffee or cola may not do any harm but consistent drinking of coffee, colas, wines will stain your teeth. Some vegetables and fruit can also stain your teeth such as potatoes and apples. Our teeth have tooth enamel which is an outer covering to protect the tooth. Many drinks such as wine, tea, coffee, and cola have tannis in them. Tannis and the natural dyes of the drink cause teeth to become stained.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

If you know a smoker, you may notice their teeth may be discolored to a yellow or brown color. Nicotine is a substance that is colorless but when it is combined with oxygen, it turns yellow. Nicotine and tar that is found in tobacco easily absorb into the enamel and pores causing a yellow or brown discolor on the teeth.

Smokers will have some teeth that become darker than other teeth due to their method of inhalation. Stains on teeth as a result of smoking are difficult to remove because the discoloration usually happens as a result of years of smoking.

Medication

Taking a certain medication can cause tooth discoloration which usually occurs when taking medications such as tetracycline, doxycycline, antipsychotic drugs, high blood pressure, and antihistamines. Most of these medications have staining implications in them, especially when used long-term.

How to Reverse Tooth Discoloration

If you’re looking to try and eliminate the discoloration, brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water every few days. The baking soda will help slowly remove the discoloration. Using a dilution of hydrogen peroxide every day or every few days will help as well. Ensure you rinse your mouth with water after brushing with the baking soda.

Going to a general dentistry will give options on how to remove the discoloration from your teeth. Speak with them about remineralization as well, as many teeth whitening methods can wear away at the enamel if you don’t take steps to protect it.

Tooth discoloration can make you self-conscious about your smile. Taking the necessary steps to reduce the discoloration by not smoking, intaking drinks with tannis, or eating acidic food will help reduce the discoloration. Further, taking the initiative with at-home remedies or professional whitening can help make your teeth white again.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Candice Picard on Unsplash