Wondering why your smile looks darker than usual or why your teeth tend to stain easily? If you are considering whitening your teeth, you should understand the reason behind the stains on your teeth before doing so. This way you can take proactive steps to have a whiter smile!

Here are some common reasons why your teeth may be stained: 

Diet

Your teeth are a porous substance; hence it’s a natural tendency for them to soak up stains from all the food and drinks we consume. Certain drinks such as coffee, red wine, and black tea are some prime reasons for those stains on your teeth.

Medications 

Certain medications such as the antibiotic tetracycline are requested to be avoided by pregnant or nursing women. This is due to the possibility of permanent discoloration that occurs in the child’s adult teeth due to the consumption of these medications. Certain antihistamines too can stain your teeth. It’s always best to fully understand the side effects of the medications you’re on.

Genetics 

It’s completely normal to have genetically dark teeth. This happens when the layer under your enamel is naturally yellow, and in some situations much thicker and darker. Combine this with a thin enamel will make your yellow teeth more visible. 



Tobacco

Consumption of tobacco, either by smoking cigarettes or even by chewing gum can contribute to staining your teeth. Long term use can put you at higher risk of various oral health issues including gum disease.



Environmental factors

The color of your teeth can vary according to your lifestyle habits and where you grew up. For example, competitive swimmers who swim on a regular basis may develop stained teeth after several months due to the chlorine present in pools.

Luckily, you can easily polish these stains away with a regular scale and clean at Somersmiles Dental. If you aren’t happy with your smile we even offer professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments for you to choose from.



Book a visit at Somersmiles Dental in Somerville today to get started.