7 Common Causes of Stained Teeth (And Our Solution!)

As the fall season changes leaves into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, the last thing you want is for your teeth to become a noticeable shade of yellow too. However, if that’s happened, unlike the fall leaves, you can do something about it! We’re discussing the common causes of stained teeth – and what you can do about it!

Here are a few culprits that may be causing the discoloration of your smile:

• Coffee or tea

If you can’t resist starting your mornings without a cup of coffee or rounding out your afternoon with a warm cup of black tea, it may be one of the reasons your teeth aren’t white and bright. Coffee and black tea, as well as green and some herbal teas, contain tannins that can stain your teeth.

• Wine

Enjoy a glass of wine at night? Well, that’s another cause for your stained teeth. Red wine has acid, tannins, and natural dyes from the grapes that stain teeth.

• Red pasta sauces

There’s nothing like a pasta dinner with a deep red sauce on a cold night. Unfortunately, if this food is a regular part of your diet, it can lead to staining thanks to the red pigments in the tomatoes.

• Balsamic vinegar or soy sauce

Balsamic vinegar has acid that can lead to staining, and both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar have dark colors that stain teeth too.

• Any tobacco usage

If you smoke or enjoy tobacco in any way, it’s going to stain your teeth. Plus, it’s harmful to your oral health and increases your risks for a wide range of dental problems, including oral cancer. Best to put this bad habit away to protect your smile and overall health.

• Certain medications

Some medications have side effects including tooth discoloration as well.

• Bad oral hygiene habits

If you don’t brush twice a day and floss at least once, you aren’t doing your part to keep harmful bacteria, plaque, and food particles off your teeth.

What are your solutions to stained teeth?

With all this in mind, we have many options to help you conquer tooth discoloration:

• Professional Teeth Whitening – We have in-office and at-home options for you to eliminate the stains. These results can last for several months up to a couple of years, depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.
• Veneers or Bonding – Both of these solutions can protect your teeth from staining. In fact, veneers are stain-resistant so you’ll enjoy a bright, white smile for at least a decade without worry! Bonding is also stain resistant as well and can last for a couple of years.

Ready for the solution to your stained teeth? For an appointment at McRae Family Dental, you can ​​ or schedule an appointment by calling one of our offices:

Baxter Street – 706-480-9410
Trail Creek – 706-430-3191
Epps Bridge – 706-430-3102