Many patients know that they should brush and floss at least twice daily. They do their best to adhere to these rules, and yet they find that their teeth still appear dark and yellow with age. This can be frustrating experience for a patient who wants to maintain a bright, white smile, which is why our Saint Louis cosmetic dental office offers in-office teeth whitening treatments along with patient education so that patients can reclaim their bright white smiles.

So how does dental staining develop?

There is no one cause of dental discoloration. Rather your dental stains are probably the result of several factors working together. Here are common causes of dental discoloration:

Food and Drink

Some common staining substances include coffee, tea, and cola. Additionally red wine and deep berries can darken dental enamel. Many rich, deeply colored foods and sauces will cause surface stains over time.

Bruxism

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a sore jaw or aching row of teeth? If so you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. Dental grinding and clenching is known as bruxism. Over time this habit wears down dental enamel and allows stains to accumulate in micro-cracks on the tooth’s surface.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco products—both chewing and smoking products—are responsible for some of the most extreme dental discoloration. One of the best ways to maintain the brilliant smile of your youth is to avoid tobacco.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Plaque and tartar can make your teeth appear brown or yellow. Proper at-home maintenance and semi-annual professional cleanings combat this discoloration.

As you can see there are many causes of dental discoloration. Even if you follow a diligent dental hygiene routine and avoid tobacco, it’s likely that you’ll find your smile dulls over time. The good news is that our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists can restore your white smile with professional in-office bleaching. Give us a call at (314) 332-1307 for more information.