Tooth stains are caused by various factors, ranging from lifestyle, medication, diet, and genetics.
Lifestyle choices include tobacco use, poor dental hygiene (i.e. not brushing and flossing) and so forth. I understand that giving up tobacco use, both chewing and smoking, can be a real pain. I personally have been there before, but the benefits from making this excellent health choice can not only brighten your teeth, but also improve your metabolism, give you more energy, help you breathe better, and the list goes on. Brushing and flossing are also of prime importance when you are trying to whiten your teeth. Brush for thirty to sixty seconds at least twice daily will drastically improve your smile and the overall health of your teeth and gums. Remember what Mr. Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure!”
Medications such as anti-histamines, antibiotics, blood pressure medication, and antipsychotics can cause your teeth to discolor. The first two are usually temporary medications, as anti-histamines take care of short-term allergic reactions, while antibiotics are mostly prescribed for several days. However, with blood pressure medication and antipsychotics, you may need to find a teeth whitener that will keep the yellowing from coming out of control. Ask your doctor about side effects to any medications you take or are being prescribed.
If you drink colas, coffee, tea, or red wine, you may often experience teeth discoloration. Some fruits and vegetables also stain the teeth.
Advancing age, genetics, diseases, and even physical trauma during development can cause teeth discoloration.
The best way to prevent this is to brush and floss regularly, and see a dentist at least once, ideally twice per year. If you do need to whiten teeth, try out a pen, gel, or strip system to restore your teeth to their whitest!
