Teeth Staining

Question:

Besides being my two favourite actors, what do Allan Hawco and Colin Farrell have in common?

Answer: Shiny white smiles that can brighten my dullest of days!

On a serious note, a genuine smile that reveals shiny, white teeth is truly an asset worth coveting even if you're not a movie actor!

While poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor to stained teeth, it is not the only factor. There are instances where even well maintained teeth become discoloured over a period of time.

Factors that can create extrinsic (exterior) teeth staining are:

1) Poor oral hygiene results in accumulation of chromogenic bactereia that cause black, green, orange and yellow stain.

2) Deposition of tannins found in tea, coffee and other beverages cause brown stains.

3) Tobacco products cause dark brown and black stains.

4) Red wine and blueberries, raspberries and blackberries - red/purple stain.

5) Carbonated colas - brown stain.

6) Soya sauce, curry powder and other deep colored spices leave brown and black stains.

7) Pan chewing results in a red-black stain.

8) Industrial exposure to iron, manganese, and silver may stain the teeth black. Mercury and lead dust can cause blue-green stain.

9) Topical medications/mouth rinses cause brown-black and violet-black stain.

10) Marijuana use cause a sage green stain.

So... quit tobacco or "recreational" drug use; swish with water after enjoying red wine, dark pigmented berries and spices; add cream to your coffee or tea; make sure you swallow your beverages right away and drink from a straw whenever possible; and wear an approved mask when working with fumes or dust at an industrial site.

Last but not least, look into a mirror... flash a smile... and if you find your teeth discoloured, it's time to meet your dental hygienist to get back your irresistible smile!