There are many different causes of teeth staining and yellowing, but luckily there are also a few different ways to prevent it! Anything from cigarettes to too much fluoride can cause teeth to yellow and become unsightly.

Here are a few common causes, and what you can do about it.

Food and beverages

You are probably already aware that different foods and beverages are a major cause of tooth stains. Everything from coffee, tea, and wine to tomato sauce and even  balsamic vinegar can cause discolouration. 

Don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut all these items out of your diet to maintain your pearly whites! Some common prevention tactics include:

• Using a straw when drinking beverages that stain (this includes sodas and sports drinks)
• Drinking water right after consuming tooth-staining foods to help wash off the stains before they set in 
• Making sure to brush your teeth regularly

Where food is concerned, it can also be helpful to mix in different items that fight tooth stains like broccoli, apples and spinach.

Age and wear

Some other causes of tooth yellowing that are a little more difficult to prevent are age and wear. As time goes on, the tooth enamel weakens, revealing the yellow dentin underneath.

The best prevention for this is to simply take care of your teeth the best you can. Make sure to brush after consuming acidic foods and drinks, and floss regularly. Avoid unnecessary tooth damage caused by cavities or grinding.

Other solutions

Sometimes, prevention just isn’t enough. There will always be some stains that find a way to make a permanent mark on your smile, which no amount of brushing can fix. Thankfully, dentists offer solutions to brighten even the most stained teeth! From teeth whitening to dental veneers, there’s an option out there for every type of smile.

If you don't feel confident with your smile due to stains or yellowing, contact Kelowna Dental Solutions to see what option is best for you.