Variations in the color of teeth vary greatly, and they can be highly dependent on what we consume. Whether it’s your morning cup of coffee or your afternoon snack of Cheetos and Gatorade, you may be surprised to learn what’s stealing your smile’s sparkle. Fixing the problem requires knowing the source. Here are the most common causes of teeth stains that we see in our Midlothian dental office, as well as some lesser-known culprits.
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Common Causes of Teeth Stains & Discoloration
1) Frequently Consumed Substances
The most common causes of teeth stains and discoloration are tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. These substances are often to blame for stained teeth because of the frequency at which they are consumed. Many people who drink coffee or tea consume it throughout the day. Red wine aficionados likely enjoy a glass or two several nights a week. And, of course, people who smoke tobacco products typically do so daily.
While we can help mitigate the negative effects of smoking on one’s teeth, smokers require more and frequent attention than nonsmokers. Likewise, avid coffee, tea, and wine consumers should take precautions when it comes to maintaining their bright smile.
2) Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse
Another prevalent cause of teeth stains is chlorhexidine, an antibiotic rinse that dentists prescribe to treat inflamed gums. It can cause teeth stains if used for over a week. Sometimes using the chlorhexidine rinse for more than a week is necessary. In that case, the patient must visit the dentist to have their teeth polished after completing the rinse treatment to remove the stains.
3) Highly Pigmented Foods & Drinks
Any colored Gatorade, soda, or fruit drink can cause teeth stains. Highly pigmented foods like blueberries can also contribute to discoloration. The stain is usually picked up by tartar and plaque on the tooth, not the tooth itself.
We commonly see teenagers who aren’t brushing their teeth well and are eating a lot of Cheetos and orange Gatorade with stains around the gum line where tartar and plaque have collected. In this case, when the patient receives their regular dental cleaning, which removes the plaque and tartar build-up, the stain is also removed.
4) Iron Supplements
Sometimes children must take an iron supplement if they don’t consume enough of the mineral in their diet. Since children are often less meticulous with their brushing, the supplement can stain their teeth a grayish-black tint. Fortunately, the stain is not permanent and won’t affect the adult teeth developing in their gums.
5) Tetracycline and Minocycline
A few scenarios result in stains that are intrinsic to the tooth and therefore cannot be removed with whitening or teeth cleaning. Antibiotics used to treat acne in teens, such as tetracycline and minocycline, can cause permanent staining.
6) Trauma or Fever During Tooth Development
Additionally, trauma to the tooth while it’s developing can cause permanent teeth discoloration. For example, if a three- or four-year-old falls and hits their mouth, the impact can traumatize the tooth bud forming beneath the baby tooth. Also, if a young child has a high fever for an extended period of time when a tooth is maturing, they can develop a “fever line” on the tooth.
How to Prevent Stained Teeth
Prevention is always easier than correction. While giving up coffee, tea, or red wine entirely might not be realistic, there are practical steps you can take to reduce staining and protect enamel:
- Moderate consumption: Limit highly pigmented foods and drinks when possible.
- Use a straw: Drinking through a straw helps reduce direct contact between staining beverages and enamel.
- Rinse, don’t brush immediately: After acidic drinks like coffee or wine, rinse your mouth with water instead of brushing right away. Brushing softened enamel can increase erosion and sensitivity.
- Maintain consistent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and consider an enamel-protecting mouthwash.
- Routine dental cleanings: Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque buildup where stains collect. Patients prone to staining may benefit from quarterly visits instead of the typical twice-yearly schedule.
- At-home whitening maintenance: After professional whitening, monthly touch-ups with an at-home kit can help preserve your results.
These simple habits can dramatically reduce surface staining and prolong the brightness of your smile.
How to Improve Stains on Teeth
Even with the best prevention habits, some stains are stubborn or intrinsic. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry offers multiple solutions for improving tooth color and restoring confidence.
1) Professional Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening treatments provide dramatic results in a single visit by using concentrated whitening agents that penetrate enamel safely and effectively. These treatments are especially useful for extrinsic stains from coffee, wine, and tobacco.
2) Dentist-Prescribed At-Home Whitening Kits
Custom whitening trays and dentist-prescribed gels allow for gradual whitening at home. They’re ideal for maintaining brightness between professional treatments or enhancing results over time.
3) Veneers for Deep Stains
When discoloration is internal, such as from antibiotics or trauma, veneers may be the best solution. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth, instantly transforming color, shape, and overall appearance.
We can help you evaluate whether whitening or veneers will achieve your goals based on the type and severity of your stains.
Revitalize Your Smile at Cedarwood Dentistry
Once you understand what causes stains and how to manage them, the next step is partnering with a dental team that prioritizes your smile’s long-term health. At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate lasting dental health through personalized care and modern cosmetic solutions.
From preventive cleanings and family dentistry to professional teeth whitening and veneers, we offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether your last visit was six months or six years ago, we can help restore your confidence and bring your smile back to life.
Schedule your appointment online or call 804-379-9375 today to start your journey toward a brighter, healthier smile.