Enjoying good food and drink can be a great part of life. However, sometimes the best foods and beverages can leave stains on your teeth or lead to yellowed teeth over time.
If you’re hoping to remove teeth stains so you can keep smiling and enjoying your favorite drinks or food, look no further! Here is your guide to removing teeth stains and how to get whiter teeth.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
In order to get rid of teeth stains, you have to understand the type of stains you have. Tooth discoloration can look different from person to person, and can be caused by a variety of things. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Certain foods/drinks: things like coffee, tea, red wine, dark foods, and some fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth
- Tobacco use: smoking or chewing tobacco can cause tooth staining
- Poor dental hygiene: inadequate brushing and flossing or irregular dentist appointments can lead to stains and a change in tooth color
- Disease: there are several diseases that can affect the tooth enamel and dentin which can lead to tooth discoloration
- Medications: some antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, and other medical treatments have been known to cause tooth stains and can disturb enamel formation and enamel development
- Age-related discoloration: your teeth may naturally yellow as you increase in age and your tooth enamel weakens
- Environment: excessive fluoride in water or using products excessively with too much fluoride can discolor teeth
- Genetics: Some people have naturally brighter or thicker tooth enamel than other people
- Trauma: trauma and damage to the root, enamel, or tooth structure can lead to discolored teeth
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Another key part of fixing your stained teeth is understanding the type of stain you are dealing with. Tooth staining normally falls into three different categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.
- Extrinsic: Extrinsic teeth stains usually only affect the enamel (the surface of the tooth) and not the root. Foods, beverages, and tobacco products can stain teeth.
- Intrinsic: These types of stains are located within the tooth and often appear grayish. Intrinsic stains are normally caused by trauma, injury, tooth decay, or genetic conditions. Because of this, they are often much more resistant to many general whitening products.
Age-related teeth discoloration: As you age, the enamel on your teeth slowly begins to wear away. This can often discolor teeth and result in a yellowish appearance in your adult teeth
How To Get Rid Of Discolored Teeth and Teeth Stains
Now that we know about the different types of stains and what may cause them, we can take a look at some common remedies for tooth stains.
For Surface Stains
A surface stain, or extrinsic tooth discoloration, is the easiest to get rid of as it is only on the outer layer and hasn’t affected the teeth too deeply. For these types of stains, many teeth whitening products (like whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and whitening gel) can work to get rid of the tooth stain.
As well, mouth rinses and other over-the-counter products or whitening options can be used to help with teeth whitening.
In general, practicing good dental hygiene can have a huge effect on the color of your teeth. Regular dental cleanings and a good oral hygiene routine can help you keep your teeth and your tooth’s enamel healthy and strong.
Additionally, a good routine can often prevent tooth discoloration, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease.
At-home whitening remedies may also work to get rid of extrinsic stains. Things like baking soda paste, hydrogen peroxide, and other hacks can sometimes remove stains and keep your teeth white.
For Deeper Stains
Intrinsic stains are a bit harder to treat as there is usually a bit more damage to the tooth. Trying to whiten the yellow dentin at home and with whitening toothpaste or other tooth-whitening products likely won’t work. Because these kinds of yellow teeth can usually signify some sort of tooth decay or damage, you’re encouraged to see a dental professional to see what can be done to fix your teeth.
For many people struggling with deep intrinsic stains, professional teeth whitening treatments are recommended. Some dentists may recommend dental materials like custom trays as a take-home solution, or in-office whitening as an alternative option.
Talk To Your Dentist
If you are struggling with the appearance of your teeth or are worried about your overall oral health, it’s important to talk to dental professionals. At Robson Square Dental, you can book your tooth whitening appointment with us today and become more confident in your smile!
