TOOTH STAINS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Sometimes, a tooth may appear more discolored than the surrounding teeth because it has become stained. Tooth staining can occur due to the foods and drinks we consume and certain medications we take. If one tooth is slightly discolored, it may simply mean the tooth has a stain. If you’re sure that the staining is caused by the foods or beverages you’re consuming, there’s a simple home remedy that can often help whiten them again.Mix baking soda and water, and brush your teeth with it every few days to supplement your typical oral care routine.You may need to visit your dentist for a professional whitening if your tooth stains just won’t go away.

Tooth stains caused by lifestyle habits:

1.Foods/drinks

Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and some starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes, can create conditions that cause staining.

2.Tobacco use

 Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.

Tooth stains caused by dental health:

1.Dental materials
Some amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can give a gray-black cast to your teeth.

2.Medication
Certain antibiotics can turn them gray-brown. Medications, such as doxycycline and tetracycline, can darken teeth for children younger than 8 years old. Some antihistamines, drugs for high blood pressure and antipsychotic meds also can stain adult teeth. Talk to your physician about potential side effects of medications you’re currently or might start taking.

3.Trauma

For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.

4.Poor Oral Hygiene

Stained teeth also can be a sign of plaque buildup or tooth decay. When you do not routinely brush, floss and rinse your mouth to remove plaque buildup and help prevent tartar buildup, this can hasten teeth discoloration.

Understanding dental stains

1.Intrinsic dental stains
This type of dental stain occurs due to an issue below the surface of your teeth. Sometimes the pigments or particles that cause extrinsic stains break through the surface and get into your tooth’s enamel.

These types of dental stains are more difficult to get rid of than extrinsic stains. Brushing and cleaning alone can rarely remove them completely. If you have intrinsic dental stains, you should seek professional treatment at Dental Studios. In-office or at-home tooth whitening can help, as can other treatments, like veneers.  

2.Age-related dental stains
When you age, the enamel on your teeth begins to wear away, which often results in a yellow appearance. Many times, age-related discoloration may be caused by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

3.Extrinsic dental stains
Stains on teeth are generally of two varieties, extrinsic and intrinsic. They are generally not considered to be an oral health issue.Extrinsic dental stains are the type of tooth discoloration most people are familiar with. Extrinsic dental stains originate on the surface of the tooth, causing discoloration of the enamel layer. The discoloration is usually yellow or brown in color.

examples of extrinsic stains

  • Drinking dark beverages like red wine, colas, coffee and tea.
  • Eating teeth-staining food like berries and pasta sauce.
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco.