Eating Healthy and Getting Teeth White and Bright

Stains are permanent marks on teeth caused by various foods or habits. Unfortunately, many “healthy” foods can permanently stain teeth and make them duller and darker. Some of the foods most often causing tooth stains are blueberries, coffee, soda, and tea. Most people are familiar with these, but curry, soy sauce, and other foods can also stain teeth. Surprisingly, the foods themselves are not usually the culprit; the acids in them, along with the fact that many of these foods are consumed at hot temperatures, weakens the tooth enamel, allowing stains to penetrate.

Another culprit is tobacco. Tobacco leaves residue on teeth, whether it is smoked, chewed, or dipped. The highly corrosive chemicals contribute to wearing away of tooth enamel, causing stains to gradually build up. Certain illnesses and medications can cause darkening or staining of the teeth as well. When a person is ill, there is often a lack of saliva in the mouth to wash away normal staining agents. Certain medications alter the chemical composition of the saliva, as well. All of this can contribute to stained teeth.

There are two basic ways to remove stains. Preventative brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, will make stains far more likely to be removable. Once stains set in, removal becomes much more difficult. Our North Hollywood dentist can assess the severity of staining and remove it with professional whitening treatments or micro-abrasion. However, if the stain is deeply set, a crown or veneer may be the best solution.

Talk to our North Hollywood cosmetic dentist about your options for a stain-free, white smile. 

Source: Dentist North Hollywood

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