Does Tea Stain Your Teeth (Things To Do To Avoid Discoloration)

Teeth discoloration is the result of eating foods that causes stain. Many foods can cause stains such as coffee, wine, and bright-colored foods. Tea can cause stains as well, it is a kind of drink that many people enjoy. If you are wondering how does tea stain your teeth, the reason is because of the tannins (a substance found in plants) which sticks to the enamel leaving a stain on the teeth. Are you in need of teeth whitening? Richmond-based Riverlands Dental clinic suggests that professional procedures are more efficient compared to over-the-counter whitening products.

Causes of Teeth Stains

Because of the food that we eat, having stained teeth is a common dental issue that most people face. However, other factors can also contribute to tooth discoloration. Apart from foods and drinks, these things also cause teeth staining:

1. Extrinsic causes. These are foreign substances that come in contact with the teeth.
2. Intrinsic causes. Stained teeth due to the substances from inside the body.
3. Age-related causes. Discoloration eventually occurs as we age.

Other factors that cause teeth stain:

• Food and drinks. Fruits and vegetables can also cause teeth stains. In addition, tea, coffee, chocolate drinks, juices, and soda are huge contributors to discoloration.
• Tobacco. Tobacco and cigarettes have substances such as nicotine and tar that leave the teeth yellowish.
• Poor oral care. Brushing teeth, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are the basic oral care regimens that one should not neglect. Doing so will cause any dental problems aside from stains.
• Medical conditions. Certain diseases such as calcium deficiency, liver problems, eating disorders, and celiac disease can also cause stained teeth. These diseases can ultimately affect the enamel (the surface of the teeth) and result in stains in the teeth. Moreover, the treatments for these diseases like head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, and many others also affect the color of the teeth.
• Medication. Several drugs and medicines can cause tooth discoloration.
• Dental materials. The materials used for your dental restoration can also cause teeth stains. Amalgam restorations typically use materials like metal that give the teeth gray-black stains.
• Getting old. Several changes happen to our bodies as we grow old, and our teeth are no exemption. As we age, the enamel gradually diminishes which reveals the natural dentin color.
• Genetics. People differ from one another because of genes. That is the reason why some people have brighter teeth while others don’t.
• Extreme use of fluoride. Using fluoride lavishly can also result in stained teeth.

Treatments For Teeth Stain

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to remove teeth stains. You can now have the stain removed by yourself or through professional teeth whitening procedures. Note that is always best to choose a local professional than go for treatments abroad. Here are some of the options provided by the EmergencyDentistBrisbaneDr.com.au for you to choose from:

1. Dental lasers. This is one of the most common treatments that dentists use. They put a substance onto the teeth and a laser to make the teeth whiter.
2. Veneers. Veneers can actually resolve several dental issues aside from teeth stains. It can also cover other imperfections such as odd shapes, cracks, and chipped teeth.
3. In-office teeth whitening treatments.
4. Over-the-counter whitening products.
5. Whitening agents from dental clinics.

How To Avoid Teeth Discoloration

Although teeth discoloration is inevitable, there are ways for you to prevent it from getting worse. Listed below are the best ways to keep your teeth bright and sparkly:

• Practice proper dental hygiene. This is the most important thing to remember if you want to keep your teeth stain-free, it also promotes healthy teeth that are safe from decay and bacteria.
• Use products with fluoride and antibacterial components.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly.
• Avoid using cigars and tobacco.
• Avoid foods with bright colors, e.g. apple, green vegetables, coffee, tea, soda
• Drink water after every meal.
• Use a straw. This may not be a popular opinion but using a straw to drink will decrease the chance of having stains on the teeth. This will lessen the exposure of teeth to foreign substances that causes stains.

Home Remedies For Stains

Brightening your teeth should not be expensive and costly. There are home remedies to try to make your smile brighter. Here are some of the natural ways to whiten your teeth:

1. Baking soda. Put a small amount of baking soda in your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth with it.
2. Hydrogen peroxide. This is commonly the main ingredient that can be found in oral products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
3. Oil pulling. This is a traditional way to brighten the shade of teeth. You can use either sesame or sunflower oil to rinse your mouth.

If you still need professional advice for tooth discoloration visit Dental Excellence’s clinic in Woden, Canberra.