Stains on your teeth are common and can develop for various factors. What’s the good news? Most of these stains can be treated and prevented. This problem is caused by more than just food and alcohol. Other factors that tarnish your teeth include tooth trauma, aging, tobacco use, and medication.
The real issue with these discolorations 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 dental stains that dental practitioners want you to know.
Types of Teeth Stains
Teeth stains are uncomfortable to look at in the mirror. We have battled discolored teeth at some point in our lives, but identifying the best treatment method can be daunting. Cleaning stained teeth is determined by the type of stains and which whitening solutions are suitable for your dental health. With so many whitening alternatives on the market, there’s likely to be one that will have your smile sparkling in no time.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains form 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 higher risk of getting extrinsic teeth stains. This discoloration is usually treatable with whitening toothpaste or seeing a dentist in Easton PA. For deeply ingrained stains, professional whitening may be required.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic teeth discoloring happens when stains penetrate the enamel and reach the tooth’s surface. This affects the dentin, the dense 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
- Excessive fluoride at a young age
- Trauma or tooth injury
- Tooth decay
When your teeth are intrinsically stained, eliminating the discoloration with over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening procedures becomes very difficult. Cosmetic treatments like veneers or dental bonding are commonly utilized to remove intrinsic stains. To learn more about how to eliminate intrinsic stains effectively, click here.
Age-related Stains
Age-related stains are the result of extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Your body changes as you age, and your teeth are no exception. You may expect two significant adjustments to your teeth as you get older: the darkening of your dentin and the thinning of your enamel. The mixed results lead to unpleasing staining 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 companies like Tencza & Pugliese Dental.
In the End
Caring for our teeth is all about developing healthy habits. You may be able to avoid tooth discoloration by making a few simple lifestyle adjustments. If you like consuming coffee, try reducing or switching to another beverage. And, if you smoke, seek help to quit because smoking has far-reaching repercussions beyond your dental health. Lastly, brush and floss your teeth daily, and see a dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
