No matter how hard we protect our teeth from stains, they happen. There are plenty of other reasons one’s teeth may become discolored and some of them may even surprise you.

The number one culprit is smoking. It is the most obvious cause, yet it is also the most overlooked. When a smoker wants to light up, you better believe their first thought is not “I better skip this one, it may stain my teeth.” Many smokers may also not be aware of the changes in color of their teeth. If you ever want to have yellow teeth (few people do), rest assured smoking is the quickest avenue.

Certain foods and drinks come in as a close second cause of discolored teeth. Dark berries, red wine and coffee are all known for their tinting reputation; however one drink that may surprise you is carrot juice. A good suggestion for avoiding discoloration is to sip your drink of choice through a straw to reduce contact with teeth. As for edibles, rinse your mouth out with water after indulging to wash away the color.

Now, possibly the most surprising cause …. Medications! Yes you read that correctly. The medications you are taking to improve your health could also wreak havoc on the color of your pearly whites. The antibiotics Tetracycline and Doxycycline are known to cause a purple tint on your teeth. Usually this only happens in children whose teeth are still developing. Medications that affect all ages include antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure.

Whatever the reason for your teeth discoloration, there are ways to combat the problem.

Visit your local drug store for whitening strips or trays. Or you may want to ask your dentist for suggestions. They usually have all the answers to helping your pearly whites stay white.