Your smile is often said to be the most striking part of your personality. The way you carry yourself and engage in conversation with a warm, effortless smile can leave a lasting impression.
And guess what? Smiling takes less effort than frowning! While frowning requires 50 muscles, you only need 15 muscles to flash a beautiful smile.
As effortless as it sounds to make a positive impression, a smile with stained teeth can do more harm than good. That daily cup of coffee you rely on for a boost may seem refreshing, but its impact on your teeth can be surprisingly damaging.
The American Association of Orthodontics reports that 90% of patients ask for teeth whitening. Your dentist can play a crucial role in helping you achieve it safely, without any harmful side effects.
Types of Tooth Stains
Each type of tooth stain requires a specific removal technique. To get the best results, it’s essential to identify your type and find the most suitable solution to treat it.
At the same time, understanding the root cause of tooth stains is just as important. Are they caused by your dietary habits, that evening glass of wine, or could they be a sign of an underlying health issue?
Each type of tooth stain requires a specific removal technique. To get the best results, it’s essential to identify your type and find the most suitable solution to treat it.
At the same time, understanding the root cause of tooth stains is just as important. Are they caused by your dietary habits, that evening glass of wine, or could they be a sign of an underlying health issue?
| Type of Tooth Stain | How does it look like? | Cause of Tooth Stain |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow stains | Teeth look dull or pale yellow. | Happens due to poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, and eating dark-colored foods. Aging can also cause enamel thinning. |
| Orange-hued stains | Stains that look rusty or light orange can form along the gum lines. | Mainly caused by certain foods and beverages along with bacteria buildup. Poor brushing and flossing contribute. |
| Brown stains | Brown spots and tiny pitted holes may develop on teeth. | Smoking, drinking beverages, using tobacco, and eating pigmented foods can lead to these stains. Poor oral hygiene worsens them. |
| Tea stains | The front teeth develop a yellowish or brown tint. | Often due to drinking black or green tea, which stains more than lighter teas. |
| Dark reddish stains | Teeth develop deep red or purplish discoloration. | Usually affects people who drink a lot of red wine or take certain medications. |
| Discolored teeth | Teeth may look uneven, with flecks of white or slightly gray. | Can be caused by excessive fluoride (leading to fluorosis), trauma to the tooth, or genetic factors. |
| Dark stains | Dark gray, dark brown, or even bluish tinge appear on teeth. | Certain types of antibiotics like tetracycline or years of smoking cause teeth to change color. |
| Black stains | Small black spots indicating severe decay. | Can be caused by smoking, cavities, or poor oral hygiene. |
| Black tartar stains | Hard black deposits on your teeth and along the gum lines. | Happens when plaque hardens into tartar over time, often due to poor hygiene habits. |
Extrinsic Stains on Tooth
These stains affect the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. It covers and protects the softer layer underneath known as dentin.
Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in your body? Even harder than your bones! However, despite its strength, it touches everything you consume. Gradually, it soaks up the colors of pigmented food you eat, leading to stains.
The only good thing about extrinsic stains is that they don’t sink into the inner part of your tooth. This means you can easily get rid of them using a home whitening treatment.
You can also rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to prevent stains from forming in the first place. Easy peasy!
Intrinsic Stains on Tooth
Intrinsic stains are more concerning because they affect the inner structure of the tooth (dentin) and can be harder to remove.
These stains can be caused by certain medications, health conditions, trauma to the tooth, or excessive fluoride exposure during childhood.
Unfortunately, home whitening methods don’t work well on these stains. Only professional dental treatments such as bleaching, veneers can effectively remove this type of discoloration.
Age-related Stains
As we age, our teeth naturally change color. It is a natural process and cannot be reversed.
Over time, the enamel thins, and years of consuming staining substances further expose the dentin beneath, which takes on a deeper yellow tone.
Since these stains impact the dentin, removing them is equally difficult. Treatments similar to intrinsic stains can help improve the appearance of age-stained teeth.
How to Get Rid of Stained Teeth?
1. Practicing Dental Hygiene
Many people overlook the importance of proper oral hygiene.
- It should always be the first step in keeping your teeth white and maintaining a bright smile.
- Brushing twice a day, flossing after meals, and using an antibacterial mouthwash may seem like minor steps. However, these habits create a strong defense against discoloration.
2. Brushing with Whitening Toothpaste
Using a whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep further discoloration at bay.
- Look for one that contains fluorides and mild bleaching ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or hydrogen peroxide for the best results.
- Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips or pens are also a good option.
- They provide noticeable results while being easier to use.
3. Professional Whitening Treatment
- Some stains are too stubborn to be removed with at-home methods. Overusing such whitening products can also damage your enamel, leading to tooth and gum sensitivity.
- If this happens, professional whitening treatments like bleaching or laser whitening performed by a dentist can be a safer option and provide better results.
4. Restorative Dental Treatments
Tooth decay can cause discoloration that is harder to reverse. In such extreme cases, restorative dentistry can change the game.
- Options like veneers, dental bonding, or crowns can help improve the natural appearance of your stained teeth.
- They cover stained teeth and give your teeth a fresh, natural look for years to come.
5. Limiting Staining Food and Beverages
- Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and pigmented foods like berries and tomatoes to avoid stains.
- Using a straw when drinking stain-causing beverages and rinsing with water afterward can also help minimize discoloration.
When to Consider Professional Whitening for Stained Teeth
OTC whitening products may seem like a budget-friendly option, but they only provide temporary results. They often fail to remove deep stains affecting your teeth. If your teeth still appear dull or discolored despite maintaining good oral hygiene, professional whitening might be the better choice.
We specialize in advanced teeth whitening solutions in Richmond, TX customized for your needs. Glow Up Dentistry, the best cosmetic dentist in Richmond, TX, offers professional treatments that go beyond basic whitening, using safe and effective technology to lift even the toughest stains.
In addition to teeth whitening, we provide other cosmetic treatments like veneers and dental crowns. We also offer restorative solutions such as dental implants and bridges to improve the look and function of your teeth.
Whether you’re dealing with years of discoloration or simply want a brighter smile, we can help you achieve stunning results.
Get in touch with the dental experts of Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX, to get various dental treatments. Call 832-685-8240 today and book your consultation with us!