How to Prevent and Treat Teeth Staining

Common Causes of Teeth Staining

Teeth staining can generally be classified into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic stains.

1. Extrinsic Stains:

These are the stains that occur on the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. Extrinsic stains are commonly caused by:

• Food and Drinks: Some of the biggest culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas. Foods with intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the enamel can also lead to staining.
• Tobacco Use: Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause considerable yellowing of the teeth.
• Poor Dental Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.

2. Intrinsic Stains:

These stains occur within the tooth enamel and are more difficult to remove. Intrinsic stains can be caused by:

• Age-Related Changes: As we age, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin underneath shows through.
• Trauma: Impact to a tooth may lead to changes in color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.
• Medications: Certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications can contribute to tooth darkening. Moreover, children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming may develop intrinsic stains.
• Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake, especially in young children while teeth are developing, can lead to fluorosis, which appears as white streaks or spots on the teeth.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing teeth staining doesn't require drastic changes, but it does involve being mindful of your diet and habits.

• Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of extrinsic stains.
• Professional Cleanings: Regular check-ups and cleanings at Dental Arts can help prevent staining and identify potential issues early.
• Limiting Stain-Causing Substances: Try to minimize the intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas. If you do consume these beverages, consider using a straw to bypass your front teeth.
• Quit Smoking: This can significantly improve the overall health of your mouth and reduce staining.

For those already experiencing discoloration, Dental Arts offers several treatment options:

• Professional Whitening: One effective method we offer is Zoom bleaching, a professional whitening treatment that can dramatically brighten your smile in just one session. This procedure uses a strong bleaching gel activated by a special light to accelerate the whitening process. It's a safe, efficient, and rapid way to remove both extrinsic and intrinsic stains, offering noticeable results immediately after treatment.
• Opalescence: Opalescence take-home kit is an accessible alternative we offer at our office for patients seeking effective teeth whitening without the commitment to an in-office Zoom treatment, featuring ready-to-use, pre-filled trays for convenience and immediate application.
• Veneers: For more severe stains that cannot be removed through whitening, veneers may be an option. These are custom-made shells crafted of porcelain or resin that cover the front surfaces of the teeth.
• Bonding: This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the tooth surface which can improve the appearance of a stained tooth.

At Dental Arts, we understand that a radiant smile is key to feeling confident. If you're concerned about teeth staining or would like to know more about our whitening treatments, contact us today. Our team is here to assist you in achieving the smile you've always desired!

Remember, each smile is unique, so it's important to consult with a dental professional before deciding on any treatment. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, healthier smile at your next visit to Dental Arts.