I Brush Every Day: Why Are My Teeth Becoming Discolored?

Brushing your teeth twice daily is essential in preserving your dental health but isn’t guaranteed for bright, white teeth. Several factors can cause or worsen tooth discoloration, even if brushing habits are top-notch. 

Brianna Davydov, DDS, Yev Davydov, DDS, Gregory Shank, DDS, and the rest of the Chroma Dental team understand how tooth discoloration can affect your self-esteem. We offer professional teeth whitening to the Midtown East community in New York City, New York, and the full range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. 

The most likely cause of tooth discoloration? Aging

The aging process is a leading cause of tooth discoloration. Virtually everyone notices a change in the shade of their teeth as time passes. 

This change happens because only the outermost layer of tooth tissue is naturally white. Your enamel is relatively thin. Just beneath lies a thicker layer of hard tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow. 

As the years pass, some of your enamel wears away, which reveals more yellow dentin, making your smile less bright than it was during childhood and early adulthood. 

Daily habits make a big difference in the color of your teeth

The choices you make each day significantly impact the brightness and color of your teeth. For example, people who smoke or use other tobacco products often have teeth that take on a yellow or brown cast over time. While routine brushing can help slow these stains, you can’t avoid discoloration altogether when you smoke. 

The food and drinks you choose are another common cause of tooth discoloration. You’re probably aware that drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth. But did you know that even healthy choices like berries, tomatoes, beets, and even citrus fruits can change the color of your teeth?

You can slow down the process by rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after consuming food and drinks known to stain teeth. Using a straw while drinking can also be helpful, as it limits the time that beverages come into contact with your teeth. 

Tooth discoloration does not have to be permanent

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, there are ways to increase the wattage of your smile. Professional teeth whitening is among the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments Chroma Dental offers. 

In-office whitening relies on a powerful hydrogen peroxide solution to blast apart stains and reveal a whiter shade. The products used during in-office teeth whitening are available only to dental specialists and go far beyond what you can accomplish using over-the-counter whitening toothpaste or rinses. 

You can also whiten your teeth at home using professional-grade whitening kits. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and guide you toward the option that best aligns with your whitening goals. 

The best way to learn more about professional teeth whitening is to book a visit online or over the phone today. The administrative professionals at Chroma Dental will help you find an appointment time that fits your busy life, taking you one step closer to a brighter, whiter smile.