Stains on your teeth are frequent and can develop for various. What’s the good news? Most of these stains can be treated and avoided. This problem is caused by more than just food and alcohol. Other factors that stain your teeth include tooth trauma, aging, tobacco use, and medication.
The real issue with these stains is that they ruin the teeth’s appearance. No matter the cause, there are steps you can take to restore your pearly white teeth. Here are some facts concerning oral stains that dentists want you to know.
Types of Teeth Stains
Teeth stains are embarrassing to look at in the mirror. All of us have battled discolored teeth at some point in our lives, but identifying the most effective method to treat this can be challenging. Cleaning stained teeth is determined by the type of stains and which whitening options are suitable for your oral health. With so many whitening choices on the market, there’s likely to be one that will have your smile sparkling in no time.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains develop when food or beverage residue stains the enamel, the tooth’s outermost layer. Enamel acts as a barrier to protect our teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, soda, and tobacco users are at greater risk of developing extrinsic teeth stains. This discoloration is usually treatable with whitening toothpaste or by seeing the dentist.
For deeply ingrained stains, professional whitening can be required. You can achieve a mesmerizing smile with the help of dental clinics like Tencza & Pugliese Dental if you want to get rid of extrinsic stains that form on your teeth.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic teeth discoloring happens when stains penetrate the enamel and reach the tooth’s surface. This affects the dentin, the thick tissue in the center of our teeth. Dentin is naturally yellower, but intrinsic discoloration can cause the tooth to look gray. Common causes of intrinsic staining include:
- Certain medications and antibiotics
- Too much fluoride at a young age
- Trauma or tooth injury
- Tooth decay
Once your teeth are intrinsically stained, removing the discoloration with over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening treatments becomes extremely difficult. Cosmetic treatments like veneers or dental bonding are commonly used to remove intrinsic stains. For more information on how to treat intrinsic stains, feel free to contact your dentist.
Age-related Stains
Age-related stains are the result of extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. Your body changes as you get older, and your teeth are no exception. You can expect two significant changes to your teeth as you age: the darkening of your dentin and the thinning of your enamel. The combination results in an unpleasing discoloration over which you have no control.
Age-related stains, like intrinsic stains, damage the dentin of your teeth. Therefore, it would be most beneficial to treat these stains with an item containing a powerful whitening ingredient, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, or with routine dental cleanings from your family dentist in Easton PA every six months.
In the End
Taking care of our teeth is all about developing healthy habits. You may be able to avoid tooth discoloration by making a few simple lifestyle modifications. If you like coffee, try cutting back or switching to another beverage. And, if you smoke, seek help to quit because smoking has significant consequences beyond your dental health. Lastly, brush and floss your teeth daily, and visit a dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings.
