Why do teeth stain?
How do your teeth become discolored in the first place? Several factors can contribute to staining and discoloration in teeth. Among these are— • Age. Our teeth naturally change color as we get older, due to general wear and tear and staining that accumulates over time. Tooth whitening shows faster effects on younger people, but can also produce dramatic results if you’re older—it just might take a little longer. • Original color. Some people’s teeth are naturally darker to begin with, as tooth color varies from person to person. • Eating and drinking habits. Certain foods and beverages with a naturally dark color, such as tea, coffee, red wine, and carrots, can stain the teeth considerably. In addition, highly acidic foods such as citrus fruit can erode the tooth enamel. • Smoking. Nicotine can cause extensive staining that soaks into the surface of the tooth. • Certain drugs or chemicals. Tetracycline is known to cause extensive discoloration to the teeth if it’s taken during tooth f
