Tooth Stains: Types, Causes, and How to Get Rid of Them

August 27, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — tylancreekteam @ 7:28 pm
close up of young woman smiling

While flipping through old photos, you might’ve noticed just how much the color of your smile has changed over the years. Tooth discoloration and staining on your teeth are completely normal occurrences that can happen for several reasons. Do you feel self-conscious of your grin? Don’t worry – most stains are easily treatable and preventable! Read along as we discuss the different types of tooth stains, their causes, and how your dentist can eliminate them.

Types of Tooth Stains

Let’s take a look at three different types of tooth stains:

Extrinsic

Extrinsic staining affects only the outer layer of the tooth, or the enamel. It occurs when staining particles build up in the film of protein that covers the enamel. Luckily, this type of discoloration can be removed with a regular dental cleaning or by brushing teeth with a whitening toothpaste.

The most common causes of extrinsic stains are:

  • Foods (chocolate, red sauces, berries)
  • Drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, soda)
  • Tobacco use

Intrinsic

Intrinsic staining occurs below the surface of the tooth, making it more resistant to over-the-counter whitening products. It develops when stain-causing particles work their way through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within. Usually, it makes your smile appear grayish.

Here are a few common causes of intrinsic stains:

  • Certain medications
  • Trauma or injury to the tooth
  • Tooth decay
  • Excessive fluoride use
  • Genetics

Age-Related

As you get older, the enamel on your teeth becomes worn down, exposing the inner layer (dentin) more and resulting in a yellowed appearance. Unfortunately, this effect of aging is not preventable even if you take excellent care of your teeth. In most cases, age-related discoloration is caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

How Do You Get Rid of Tooth Stains?

The good news is most stains can be removed with the help of your cosmetic dentist! Here are two ways they can minimize discoloration and brighten your smile:

  • Porcelain Veneers – These ultra-thin sheaths of dental porcelain are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth, hiding even the most stubborn stains from view. Plus, they can correct other dental issues like chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignment. In just two appointments, you can enjoy a stunning new set of pearly whites!
  • Teeth Whitening – If you just want to fix the color of your smile, professional teeth whitening treatment is an excellent option to consider. In as little as one hour, you can obtain dramatically brighter teeth. The entire process is safe, reliable, and hassle-free. It’s the perfect solution for a more radiant smile!

As you can see, tooth stains are very common and can happen to anyone. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with a discolored grin forever. Your cosmetic dentist can restore your smile and confidence in no time!

About the Practice

At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we combine old-fashioned hospitality with modern techniques and technology. Our goal is to provide exceptional dental care that is guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. If you have tooth stains, our cosmetic dentist can get rid of them with cosmetic dental treatment. With our services, we can give you a smile you can proudly show off! Visit our website or call our office to schedule a consultation.

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