What is Discoloring My Teeth?

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If you’re frustrated because the whitening toothpaste or tooth strips you’ve tried from the drugstore aren’t really working, you’re not alone. Here at Athens Smiles, patients who finally decide to have our Athens, TX dentist do their teeth whitening professionally complain of the same experiences with OTC products. Another question they often ask is, “Why are my teeth dark and discolored?” There could be a lot of reasons:

Dark Foods or Beverages

Any dark food or drink that you partake of frequently has the potential of darkening your teeth. This is true for both healthy and less-healthy food options. For example, berries, cherries, and dark leafy greens are all super-nutritious choices, so don’t stop eating them! Just be aware that their dark pigments, which are so healthy for your body, can also darken the tooth enamel. So can coffee, red wine, tea, and soy sauce.

Traumatic Injury

If you ever damaged a tooth in a fall or other injury, that can also cause tooth discoloration.

Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your health, and they also darken your teeth. In fact, they can stain the teeth an unsightly yellowish brown color. Our dentist in Athens, TX urges you to stop using these products if you can because even if you do engage our teeth whitening services, if you continue to use tobacco products, your oral health and teeth coloration will continue to suffer.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing at least twice every day and flossing before bed are critical for your overall oral health. These practices can also keep your teeth brighter than when you don’t do them.

Other Things that Can Darken Your Teeth

In addition to those common factors, these conditions and situations can also play a role in darkening your teeth:

  • Certain medications
  • Medical conditions (especially nutritional deficits, eating disorders, and metabolic diseases)
  • Aging
  • Genetic factors

Professional Teeth Whitening with the Dentist Athens, TX Neighbors Rely On for Bright Smiles

If you are unhappy with tooth discoloration, you don’t have to be. Schedule an appointment with us here at Athens Smiles and see just how much brighter our teeth whitening services can make your smile after just one visit.