Having a confident smile has many benefits, but sometimes, there are factors that can prevent us from showing our best smile. One of these is having tooth stains!

Tooth stains are discolorations that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we will look into the different types of tooth stains, their causes, and treatment options.

When it comes to tooth stains, there are two main types that you need to know about: intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains. And while tooth stains may come in different shades and forms, we can all agree that they’re bad for your smile, simply for the reason that they ruin your look. Luckily,  these buggers  can be relatively easy to deal with. Let’s explore what these stains are all about!

What Are Extrinsic Tooth Stains?

Extrinsic tooth stains are probably what you’re most familiar with. Discoloration of this type originates on the surface of the tooth, and is usually brown or brownish-black in color. Extrinsic tooth stains are caused by external factors such as food, drinks, and tobacco.

If you’re looking to avoid extrinsic tooth stains, here’s a list of its usual suspects:

• Cigarettes/ cigars
• Coffee
• Tea
• Sodas
• Red wine
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Curries

As a good rule of thumb so you won’t overthink what does and doesn’t stain your teeth, think of your teeth as a white shirt, and anything that stains a white shirt can also end up staining your teeth!

Now that you’re more aware of what extrinsic tooth stains are, what you can do to avoid them is simple; maintain good oral hygiene! Since these stains are present on the surface of your teeth, brushing and flossing your teeth properly every day is key. You should also keep a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco products, drinking more water, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.

But say you’ve already got extrinsic tooth stains, don’t worry too much because getting rid of this type of tooth discoloration is simple! Here are the treatment options you can choose from:

Airflow and teeth whitening – The combination of Airflow and teeth whitening is effective against extrinsic tooth stains because they remove the surface stains on the teeth. Airflow, also known as Air Polishing or Air-abrasion, is a dental procedure that uses a stream of air, water, and abrasive particles to remove superficial stains from your teeth. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, uses a bleaching agent to break down the molecules that are causing the discoloration.

Veneers – Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can be used to cover up discolored teeth and other cosmetic problems. Veneers are made of a variety of materials, including porcelain and composite resin. They are typically bonded to the teeth with a special adhesive.

Bleaching trays – Bleaching trays are custom-made to fit your teeth. You can use them to whiten your teeth at home. Bleaching trays typically contain a bleaching agent that is dispensed into the tray. You wear the trays for a period of time each day, and the bleaching agent will whiten your teeth over time.

What Are Intrinsic Tooth Stains?

While extrinsic stains exist on the surface of your tooth and can be avoided simply with good dental hygiene, Intrinsic stains are more tricky. 

Intrinsic tooth stains are found within the tooth and can come in different colors such as yellow, brown, gray, and even white. This type of discoloration is caused by the following factors:

• Dental injuries
• Genetics/ family history
• Excessive fluoride exposure
• Certain medical conditions
• Certain antibiotics

It is important to note that a proper diagnosis of the cause of intrinsic tooth stains is needed for it to be treated accordingly.  These are the usually treatment options that can help your deal with intrinsic tooth stains:

Teeth whitening – Depending on the cause of the stain, teeth whitening can still be very effective at removing this type of discoloration. The bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth releases oxygen molecules. These oxygen molecules react with the molecules that are causing the discoloration, breaking them down and making your teeth appear whiter!

Veneers – For causes of discoloration that are too hard to deal with using teeth whitening, veneers are a great alternative treatment option. Since veneers are bonded to the surface of your tooth, these can cover up the unremovable discoloration to refresh the look of your smile.

Dental crowns – This does more than just improve the look of your tooth. If an injury to the tooth is the cause of the tooth stain, a dental crown can help cover up the discoloration while also protecting your tooth from further harm.

Key Takeaway

Tooth stains can be a nuisance, but by understanding the different types of tooth stains and their causes, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place! If you do have tooth stains, there are a variety of treatment options available to help you get your smile back to its natural brightness. 

Elevate Dental offers the services you need to restore and improve the look of your smile! From teeth whitening to multiple options for veneers, our clinic’s services will get you the smile that you want. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in one of our clinics!