If you have ever seen commercials for teeth whitening, you have likely checked out the color of your own teeth. Teeth staining is normal for everyone but it can be exacerbated due to several factors. If your teeth are not as white as you would prefer, it is helpful to learn more about why they are stained and how you can remove those stains. Here are some things you need to know:

Why Do Teeth Get Stained? 

There are several factors that contribute to teeth staining. Certain foods, drinks, medications, and cigarettes are just a few things that can cause teeth staining. Some medical conditions can also cause your teeth to stain. If you do not eat a proper diet or you have difficulty absorbing nutrients, you may also notice stains on your teeth.

Can You Prevent Stains?

The best way to prevent teeth staining is to avoid eating or drinking dark foods and beverages that contribute to the staining. This includes dark drinks such as coffee, tea, dark soda, and red wine. Foods like dark berries can also cause stains, but they are healthy, so always brush after you eat them. If you smoke, consider quitting to help prevent further staining. Always brush and floss daily and address any medical concerns that may be contributing to the shade of your teeth.

Is Tooth Staining Reversible?

Whether or not the staining is reversible depends on the way the teeth are stained. A surface stain is staining just on the top of the teeth and can be reversed with whitening treatments. Under-the-surface stains are more difficult to remove without professional teeth whitening. The same is true for age-related teeth stains. If you are concerned about the shade of your teeth, visit your dentist to learn about your teeth whitening options.

Can You Whiten Teeth That Have Decay?

If you have tooth decay that is contributing to teeth staining, you should address those issues with your dentist. Repairing teeth with fillings may immediately remove the underlying stains caused by the decay. If you attempt to whiten decayed teeth, you may experience some pain and discomfort from the whitening solution.

If you have stains on your teeth and they make you feel self-conscious, be sure to see your dentist right away. You may have some underlying conditions that are causing those stains which will need to be dealt with before any whitening treatment can take place. There are always options to get your teeth white and bright.

Contact a local dental office, such as Smile Solutions LLC, to learn more.