The Dark Side Of Teeth

There are many reasons why teeth can stain or discolour including:

    • Dark drinks and food– such as coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juice, pop and pigmented foods such as cherries, cranberries, carrots, soy sauce and beets
    • Hot drinks – constant temperature change can cause small fractures on the tooth surface allowing stains to penetrate
    • Cigarettes – can cause yellowish to orange stains

  • Poor oral hygiene – plaque that is not removed can turn yellow
  • Medicine – some antibiotics and over-the-counter medications – eg. Tetracycline, some antihistamines
  • Age – enamel can break down over time allowing the underlying dentin, which has a natural yellow or brown colour, to show through
  • Genetics – some people naturally have brighter or thicker enamel then others
  • Trauma – if the tooth pulp (nerve) is damaged or dies
  • Excessive fluoride – high doses of fluoride may result in white spots

Here are some recommended prevention techniques and solutions:

  • Swish your mouth with water after consuming dark drinks
  • Use a straw if possible with dark drinks which may protect the front teeth
  • Brush teeth immediately after eating foods that can stain (except with acidic foods, then simply swish with water)
  • Engage in proper oral healthcare at home:
    • Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
    • Brushing for one to three minutes
    • Use an appropriate amount of toothpaste
  • Visit the hygienist regularly – many stains can be removed with a effective cleaning and polishing
  • Talk to your dentist and doctor about alternatives to stain-producing medication
  • Bleaching – take-home and in-office treatments are highly effective in whitening your teeth*
  • Bonding – a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth
  • Veneers – thin shells of porcelain that are custom fit over your natural teeth

WE WELCOME
NEW PATIENTS

WE WELCOME NEW PATIENTS

Stay Connected!

WE WELCOME NEW PATIENTS

Georgia Dental Group

Office Hours

  • Mon: -
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • - Alternating
  • Closed