A dazzling smile can light up a room, but accumulated tooth stains can dull your teeth over time. While avoiding certain foods and drinks can help, not all discoloration comes from eating. Understanding the types of staining that exist and how to get rid of them is the first step to keeping your pearly whites gleaming. Read on to explore the common causes of tooth discoloration and effective ways you can remove them!
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Stains?
Dental discoloration is generally categorized into two main types: extrinsic stains on the surface of your teeth and intrinsic discoloration within them. Each type has different causes and requires specific treatments.
Extrinsic Stains
- Foods and Drinks: Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas are major discoloration culprits. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also contribute to staining.
- Tobacco and Vaping: Smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping leaves yellow or brownish gunk on the teeth, causing hefty discoloration.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which can stain your teeth over time.
Intrinsic Stains
- Medications: Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, and antihistamines can cause discoloration of your teeth simply by taking them.
- Dental Trauma: Injuries to the teeth can lead to internal bleeding or damage, resulting in discoloration.
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during the development of teeth can cause white or brown spots.
- Aging: As you age, your enamel thins, revealing the natural yellowish color of the dentin underneath.
How Can I Remove These Stains?
There are many ways you can remove stains from your teeth; however, some are far more complex than others.
Professional Teeth Whitening
For most extrinsic and some intrinsic stains, professional teeth whitening treatments are highly effective. Dentists use stronger chemical agents than those found in over-the-counter products, providing faster and more noticeable results. In-office treatments can brighten your smile by several shades in just one session!
Veneers or Bonding
Many intrinsic stains are unaffected by whitening treatments, but there is still hope! Dental veneers or bonding may be a great option for you. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or other material that cover the front of affected teeth, hiding imperfections and discoloration. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the stained area and shaping it to blend into your smile.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Possibly the best way to fight discoloration is by preventing it in the first place. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. For drinks like coffee or tea, you can use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and reduce stains.
By understanding the types of tooth stains and using the right treatments, you can keep your smile bright and beautiful! Whenever you’re ready to reclaim your pearly whites, reach out to your dentist. They can examine your teeth and help you come up with a strategy that works for you and your smile!
About the Practice
If you want a brighter smile in Montpelier, Dr. Andrew Hale and Dr. Sally Bishko are friendly dental experts with the knowledge and skills to help. They offer customized treatments that are both wallet-friendly and highly effective. Call (802) 223-2244 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at River Station Dentistry or visit the website to explore other options they offer.