Tooth Stains – Everything You Need to Know About Them

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: November 2, 2022

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Stains on the teeth are a frequent dental issue that may affect one and all. You could encounter this problem for many reasons. Various other elements besides food and drink contribute to this problem. Other factors that might cause tooth discolouration are smoking, tooth damage, ageing, and prescription drugs.

The difficulty with any of these stains is that they degrade the appearance of your teeth. Some people have both sorts of tooth stains, which might appear on the tooth’s surface or beneath the tooth enamel. Everything you need to know about tooth discolouration, including its forms, causes, and remedies, will be covered in this article.

Reasons for Stained Teeth

Numerous factors can lead to stained teeth. In addition to the reasons we have discussed, there can be biological reasons, such as the transparency of your tooth enamel, certain foods and beverages can also stain your teeth. Tooth discolouration can have a variety of causes, some of which you may have been able to avoid, while others are out of your control. This extensive list can guide you in identifying the root of tooth discolouration and, in many circumstances, can assist you in stopping future tooth deterioration.

Dental Care

Teeth might become discoloured as a result of poor dental care, such as insufficient brushing or flossing.

Trauma or Illness

Children’s teeth can get discoloured as a result of any injury, ailment, or disease that interferes with the formation of enamel, whether this occurs in the womb or during tooth development. Teeth might get discoloured as a result of trauma to adult teeth.

Medical Interventions

Many kinds of pharmaceuticals, including antihistamines, chemotherapy, high blood pressure medications, and some antipsychotic drugs, can stain teeth. Other times, medical procedures themselves might contribute to tooth discolouration.

Food & Beverage

Teeth stains can be caused by coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even a few fruits and vegetables.

Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco have the potential to stain teeth.

Also Read: – Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful in Smile Designing

What kinds of tooth discolouration are there?

Surface-stained teeth, real changes in the substance of your teeth, or a mix of the two can all lead to tooth discolouration. Dental professionals have distinguished three major types of tooth discolouration:

Internal stains on the teeth

Stains that extend underneath the tooth’s surface are referred to as intrinsic stains. It happens when stain-causing substances penetrate the tooth’s outer layer and gather inside the tooth enamel. Particularly in youngsters, excessive fluoride consumption has also been linked to neurotoxicity. Although it is more difficult to remove inherent stained teeth, it is nevertheless possible. The use of professional or DIY chemical teeth-whitening treatments, like Whitestrips, may be necessary to remove inherent tooth discolouration.

Teeth stains that are external

Stains on the tooth’s surface are known as extrinsic tooth stains. It happens when stains accumulate in the protein-based layer that coats tooth enamel, such as coloured residue from food or drink. Tobacco usage, regular usage of coffee and tea, wine consumption, or consumption of cola beverages are the main causes of extrinsically stained teeth. Regular dental cleanings and using a whitening toothpaste on the teeth help to effectively remove this kind of tooth discolouration.

Teeth stains caused by ageing

A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discolouration might result in ageing-related tooth stains. Teeth darken as you age because dentin, the tooth’s fundamental tissue, naturally ages. The tooth’s protective enamel thinning with age makes the dentin more visible. In a majority of individuals, teeth yellow with age due to these inherent reasons of discolouration as well as external factors including the impact of specific meals, beverages, and smoke.

How to get rid of teeth stains?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene

Following basic dental hygiene practices should be your first step if you have this cosmetic problem. Start by limiting the amount of soda, red wine, coffee, and tea you consume since they stain your teeth. You can sip these liquids using a straw so that the liquid does not come into direct contact with your teeth. A prevalent notion among all dentists is that chewing and smoking tobacco are the main causes of this cosmetic problem.

Reduce your consumption of sugar as it prevents the bacteria Streptococcus mutants from proliferating in your mouth. Plaque and gingivitis are issues that are to blame. Additionally, make sure to clean your teeth as soon as you can after consuming any beverage or sugar.

Specialist whitening

A dentist will administer professional whitening in-office, using professional whitening materials and techniques to hasten the whitening process. Your dentist will use a hydrogen peroxide solution to treat the area. It could be necessary to use heat and specialised light to speed up the bleaching process for specific goods. Other goods that are only accessible to professionals will have a stronger whitener concentration, occasionally with desensitiser, and some kind of special tray for improved whitener adherence. When performed by a qualified dentist, the operation is secure.

Conclusion

Nowadays, everyone wants to have a bright, healthy smile. To save your grin, just be sure to be wise about it. Without first seeing your dentist about the types of teeth stains, avoid using over-the-counter or DIY home whitening products. You’ll be able to smile brightly for a very long time if you know how to safely whiten your teeth.

You will get satisfactory responses to your dental questions at Clove Dental. When you avail of their expert services, they will make every effort to make sure everything goes smoothly and successfully.