Have you ever wondered why teeth become stained? Most teeth stains are largely due to what you eat and drink. However, teeth can get stained
in other ways you may not have thought about. The teeth stain on both the surface and just beneath the tooth enamel. Discover some things you need to know.
What Is the Cause of Teeth Staining?Teeth stains do not come from one source. Instead, they can come from various sources. For example, darker foods and drinks, such as red
wine, coffee, tea, tomatoes, and beets, can stain teeth. Using tobacco products also causes staining. Certain medications will lead to tooth
discoloration as well. In addition, some people have more transparent tooth enamel.
The dentin below the enamel can also discolor. When your dentin is darker, this makes your teeth seem darker, especially when you have more
transparent enamel.
Trauma to the teeth can also cause them to discolor. For example, if the nerves become damaged, a tooth will turn grey or brown.
Is the Stain Intrinsic or Extrinsic?Tooth stains happen on different surfaces of the teeth. Different types of stains exist based on where they are located and how they impact the
overall tooth.
Intrinsic stains are beneath the surface of the teeth. The stains exist on the dentin or the hard material beneath the tooth enamel. These stains are more difficult to remove, as the whitening material has to penetrate through the enamel.
Extrinsic staining happens on the outer surface of the teeth. This is most commonly due to food and drink stains building up on the teeth. The
surface of the teeth picks up residue and will build up on the enamel. You can control this staining with regular tooth brushing and professional
cleaning. You may want to professionally whiten the teeth, but this is not always necessary.
Do Teeth Discolor With Age?As you age, the dentin in your teeth begins to yellow. This leads to teeth staining. The darker dentin shows through the enamel. Any tobacco and
certain food and drinks will exacerbate the issue.
How Can You Deal With Tooth Stains?
Dealing with tooth stains depends on the reason for the staining. If your teeth are stained due to food, drink, or tobacco use, you can opt for at-home or professional teeth whitening. For professional teeth whitening, you will make an appointment with your dentist. The dentist applies a
whitening gel and use a special light to lighten your teeth.
If your teeth stains are not overly prevalent, you can use an at-home tooth whitening kit or simply brush with whitening toothpaste. Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent further staining.
If your teeth are stained because of age, discuss whitening options with your dentist. You may have some underlying oral issues to address before whitening can take place. Do not use an at-home teeth whitening kit until you speak to your dentist to prevent potential pain or damage to your teeth.
If your tooth is stained because it has undergone trauma, see a dentist first. If you have tried to whiten a tooth that has been traumatized without results, chances are you need more dental care. If the tooth's nerves are dead, you will need a root canal to remove dead tissue before the whitening process can begin.
If you have questions about teeth whitening, please contact us at
Family Dental Care of Wilmington. We are happy to evaluate your teeth to
determine how we can help you get a glowing smile. We look forward to helping you understand your teeth and providing you with the dental
solutions you need.
