Chandler AZ Dentist Discusses Common Causes of Tooth Stains
Tooth stains can easily tarnish what would normally be a beautiful smile. Dentist Dr. Mark Arooni provides in-office and at-home whitening kits to help restore the natural shine of your teeth. Teeth whitening goes a long way in restoring a beautiful smile, but you still have to maintain those fresh, pearly whites by avoiding common causes of tooth stains. To help you get the most out of our whitening services, here is a list of things you should avoid in order to keep your smile white.
Beverages and Foods That Stain Teeth
Beverages like coffee, dark tea, wine, and soda all cause tooth staining. Many people do not realize that both red and white wine can stain your teeth. This is because they contain tooth-staining chromogens, which produce strong pigments, and tannins. Manufacturers use tannins as dyes in numerous products, including drinks. They react strongly with the protein in your teeth, causing tough stains. You also should avoid dark soy, tomato, and curry sauces, as well as brightly colored fruits.
Tooth-Staining Habits
Beverages and foods are not the only things that stain teeth. Certain habits like smoking and grinding your teeth can also cause tooth discoloration. Smoking leaves brown deposits deep inside teeth. These stains form quickly and are difficult to remove. People who grind their teeth are also more prone to tooth stains because the habit produces tiny cracks in tooth enamel that allows deep stains to set and naturally discolored dentin to show.
Other Causes of Tooth Stains
The antibiotic tetracycline can cause tooth staining. Commonly used to treat acne, tetracycline will create dark grey and brown stains on teeth. These are difficult to remove and those who struggle with acne should use other antibiotics available for treatment. The excessive consumption of fluoride in children can cause a condition called fluorosis, which leaves white spots or stripes on teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have questions about tooth stains or would like to learn more about the various teeth whitening products we offer, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Arooni. We also offer Invisalign braces and full mouth rehabilitation to improve your smile. Call our Chandler dentist office at (480) 351-0963 today. We serve patients from Guadalupe, Mesa, Sun Tan Valley, and Tempe, AZ.
By Mark Arooni DDS
