It is not uncommon to see people with stained teeth in the world today. We can attribute various factors to cause teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle. Some foods can stain your outermost layer of the teeth. This part of the tooth is called enamel.

The most common reasons for stained teeth include:

• Tobacco
• Red wine
• Tea
• Coffee
• Medications such as some antihistamines
• Health conditions or poor dental hygiene
• Genetics can contribute to stained coloring
• As you get older, the outer layer of enamel thins, revealing a more yellow dentin layer

Many people rely on caffeinated coffees and teas to get through their day, and we understand that. It’s why we are eager to help you reach your dental goals by providing you with solutions for discolored teeth due to stains.

Types of Tooth Stains

It is worth noting that there are different types of tooth discolorations, and they are often based on your choices in beverages, foods, age, and childhood exposure to fluoride.

• Age related stains: These changes are more difficult to eradicate. They are below the enamel and result from changes in your teeth and body over time. With age, the translucency of the tooth reduces, making it look darker.
• Extrinsic stains: These are shallow discolorations that affect the enamel. Tobacco products, coffee, tea, wine, or cola often cause them. They don’t respond to regular brushing.
• Intrinsic stains: These stains are deeper into the enamel. They are more permanent than the extrinsic stains. They can be caused by excessive fluoride as a child, trauma to the teeth, side effects from certain antibiotics, and medical conditions affecting wellness.

Keep Your Smile Bright and White

We are happy to share these 5 simple tips to keep your smile bright!

• Brush with baking soda: Baking soda is a common ingredient in toothpaste because it has natural whitening properties. It is an alkaline that prevents bacteria from growing in your mouth. We recommend you brush with baking soda at least once a day. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush your teeth with the paste. You will not see the results immediately, rather with time. It is an inexpensive and readily-available tooth cleanser if you want to avoid toothpaste fluoride.
• Eat vegetables and fruits: Eating fruits and vegetables can help whiten your teeth over time. They are not substitutes for brushing and are not as thoroughly effective as other teeth whitening products, but they are inexpensive and natural. Strawberries contain malic acid that removes discoloration on your teeth while pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is effective in removing tooth stains.
• Oil pulling: This is an ancient Indian folk remedy meant to remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene. It entails swishing oil around your mouth to remove bacteria. Sunflower and sesame oil can work, but coconut oil has become popular because of its pleasant taste and a couple more health benefits.
• Prevent stains before they occur: It is important that you take preventative measures so that you don’t get your teeth stained. Limit your intake of coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries. Limit your sugar intake to avoid the growth of streptococcus Mutans, the bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis. Also, eat calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and broccoli to help protect your teeth from enamel erosion.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly, preferably twice a day and after meals. If you eat sweets for a snack, make sure to drink plenty of water to help wash away the sugar and colors in candy.

Dental Care with Compassion and Trust

At Dental Group of Simi Valley, we have made people living in Simi Valley smile since 1963. We are proud of our reputation for excellent and gentle care where everyone is treated like family. Our services include Veneers, CEREC dentistry, Dental Implants, Family dental care, and Teeth whitening.

If you want to brighten your smile and eliminate stained teeth, visit us at Dental Group of Simi Valley. We are located at 1720 East Los Angeles Ave., Suite 202 in Simi Valley. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30 pm with weekends by specified appointment only. You can also contact us at (805) 522-6020. We look forward to working with you to give you the smile and healthy teeth you’ve always wanted!