Nothing gives you confidence quite like a brilliant smile. However, lifestyle choices, illness, and various additional factors can affect the color of your teeth. If your pearly whites have taken on a yellow hue, professional teeth whitening is worth discussing with a dentist. They will work with you to determine the steps you can take to improve your smile. They'll also help you uncover what caused the discoloration in the first place. Use this guide to learn about some factors that may be impacting the look of your teeth.

Why Are Your Teeth Stained or Discolored?

1. Using Tobacco Products

Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products is a bad idea for numerous reasons. In addition to upping your cancer risk, tobacco contains nicotine and tar that stain teeth. These substances are absorbed through the porous enamel. Your dentist or primary care physician can provide resources to help you quit the habit.

2. Drinking Coffee

If drinking coffee is part of your daily routine, don't wait too long to brush your teeth afterward. The hot beverage seeps into the pores in teeth and latches on to the enamel as it cools. The longer you wait to brush away the residue, the greater the chances are that stains will set in. However, since this beverage is acidic, wait 30 minutes after drinking it before you brush your teeth. This will also prevent damage to the enamel.

3. Certain Medications

Make sure to let your dentist know what medications you are taking, as some drugs can discolor teeth. Antihistamines, for instance, interact with dentine below the enamel. The antibiotic tetracycline can also be absorbed into teeth, causing discoloration. Medications taken to reduce high blood pressure can cause dry mouth. As a result, you may not produce enough saliva to wash away food and beverage residue, which can lead to staining.

If you need professional teeth whitening to reduce or eliminate discoloration, reach out to Harvest Dental PSC in Somerset, KY. This office has been providing cosmetic dentistry services and emergency care to patients throughout Pulaski County and the surrounding areas since 1995. They offer everything from routine oral exams to tooth extractions. They are trusted members of the American Dental Association®, and the staff at this office is dedicated to providing patients with a relaxing and anxiety-free environment. Visit the website to learn more, and connect on Facebook to read patient reviews and stay informed about news and updates. Call (606) 677-0238 to schedule a professional teeth whitening consultation.