Everyone wants pearly white teeth. However, over time your teeth will stain because of various factors. Some things are in your control, and some aren’t. This blog post will discuss why your teeth become discolored and what you can do about it. 

What Causes Stained Teeth?

There are two types of staining to consider: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains mean it’s something happening on the inside that has led to staining. Extrinsic means it’s an external factor that causes staining.

Here are a few common causes of stained teeth: 

  • Aging. As we get older, the enamel that covers our teeth gets thinner with time. This, combined with external factors, such as food, beverages, and medications, can lead to significant staining.
  • Food and beverages. If you enjoy tomato sauce, wine, coffee, balsamic vinegar, or blueberries, it can stain your teeth. Also, they are acidic, which erodes the tooth enamel.
  • Medications. Some medications can stain as a side effect. This is common with blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and others. Talk to your doctor if you suspect yours is causing discoloration.
  • Injury. An injury to your teeth can turn gray due to inadequate blood flow. It’s similar to how your knee may get bruised and will get discolored.
  • Tobacco usage. If you smoke or chew tobacco, the nicotine will stain your teeth. It can also happen with vaping. 

Ways We Can Whiten Your Teeth

Whitening your teeth at the dentist will give you professional results you won’t get with store-bought products. The cause of your teeth staining will determine the whitening treatment we recommend. Depending on what is the cause of your discoloration, we may recommend: 

  • Teeth Whitening – We offer in-office and at-home treatments for you. It can last for several months or longer, depending on lifestyle factors. It’s not ideal for staining caused by intrinsic factors. 
  • Veneers – If you want a more permanent solution to stained teeth, you’ll love veneers. We’ll remove a bit of your enamel to make room for veneers and bond them to your teeth. They can last for 20 years and is ideal for both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
  • Tooth Bonding – This is an affordable alternative to veneers. We’ll add bonding material to your tooth to cover imperfections, including stains. It’s less expensive than veneers, but doesn’t last as long.

Learn why your teeth are discolored and get the treatments you need for a bright smile in Bloomington, MN. Call Weddell Dental today at 952-679-1365 or schedule online.