Brown Stains On Your Teeth? What It Means And How To Treat Them?
Are you someone who can’t go one morning without a steamy cup of coffee? Do you find yourself reaching for a chocolaty dessert at the end of every meal? Well, you’re definitely not the only one! But while these small habits may seem harmless, they’re the main causes behind those brown stains creeping up on your teeth. If you’ve noticed these stains, there could be an underlying issue behind them that needs to be addressed.
What do Brown Stains on Teeth Mean?
Brown stains are the fundamental indicator of poor oral hygiene. You normally see them on the bottom lining of your teeth or at the back of your teeth. If you start noticing even a slight brown discolouration on your teeth, it’s most likely because your tooth enamel has eroded. For the uninitiated, enamel is a transparent protective coating around your teeth which acts like a shield, protecting your teeth from germs and bacteria that can cause problems like tooth decay or sensitivity.
However, this coating is not invincible in itself, as it can wear out over time. This can be an open door for harmful bacteria to destroy your teeth. So if you’re wondering why these brown stains have started appearing, it’s because the harmful bacteria is slowly eroding the enamel of your teeth.
Causes of Teeth Discolouration
Let’s go over a few of the main causes behind enamel erosion which can lead to brown stains on your teeth.
1. Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Smoking and using tobacco and nicotine products is one of the main causes of brown stains on the teeth because they contain certain particles that get stuck to the pores of the enamel. Over time, these particles can build up and damage the enamel which results in brown stains on your teeth.
2. Acidic and Sugary Foods and Beverages
Acid and sugar have long been the biggest threat to your oral hygiene and are one of the easiest ways to weaken your teeth. Sugar can convert into acid on the covering of your teeth and in turn, wear out the tooth enamel. To avoid this from happening, try to limit your consumption of beverages and food items like soda, candies, bread, tea, coffee and potato chips. If you do treat yourself to these foods, remember to use mouthwash after consumption.
3. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the result of a buildup of plaque and tartar where harmful bacteria is stuck to the surface of the teeth. These bacteria tend to release acids which weaken the enamel and cause the yellowish-brown colour of the tartar to become more visible. If the decay is severe it could lead to dental cavities as well.
How to Treat Brown Stains?
If you’re wondering how to remove these pesky brown stains from your teeth, there are two methods. The first is using over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste or mouthwash; however, these products do not provide instant or consistent results. They may not be very reliable or effective as they do not give permanent results. In addition, the ingredients could weaken the enamel if it is overused. The second method is professional dental procedures like fixing dental veneers, dental crowns or adding teeth fillings.
Preventing Teeth Staining
Your teeth are a crucial part of your smile and you need to protect them from brown spots before it’s too late. Learn how your pearly whites can remain sparkly with these methods:
1. Fixed Oral Care Routine
The first and foremost way to prevent teeth staining is to adhere to a fixed oral care routine. A few best practices are brushing your teeth twice every day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Secondly, use a mouthwash to get rid of germs and bacteria after every meal or after consuming sweets. You should also use the right toothpaste and mouthwash with the correct ingredients.
2. Reduce or Quit Smoking
It can be very difficult to achieve pearly white teeth if you are a regular smoker. Just like you will have to take measures to reduce sugary foods, you will have to quit smoking or significantly reduce the amount you smoke.
3. Healthy Diet
Soda, chocolate, candy and acidic foods are on the “Don’t Eat!” list for healthy and strong teeth. They have a high sugar and acid content that can erode your enamel. However, if you do happen to eat these foods, make sure you clean your mouth with mouthwash. Foods like milk, cheese, apples, pears and leafy green vegetables are safe for your teeth and will protect your tooth enamel.
If you’ve noticed a few brown spots on your teeth, it’s not too late to take the right measures to prevent more from appearing. However, if there are too many of them, and they are stealing the beauty of your smile, you should consult with a dentist for professional advice.
