A smiling face can give you confidence, yet tooth stains can make one embarrass yourself. Not everyone knows that not all stains on teeth are created equal, and that they require different treatment depending on the type of discoloration you have. When you have been looking to fix your smile, you have to start with knowing the causes. A visit to a reputable dental office in Edina, MN may assist you in determining the kind of stain, as well as the most appropriate mode of treatment.
It is worth breaking down the various kinds of tooth stains, their causes and how you can remove them to achieve a healthier and more bright smile.
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
The most common ones are extrinsic stains that come to be found on the outer surface of the teeth. They are normally brought about by external influences like:
- Red wine, coffee, tea, and other beverages
- Foods of dark color such as berries and sauces.
- Access intake of smoking and tobacco.
- Poor oral hygiene
These stains normally accumulate with time and occurrence of brown or yellow teeth. The bad news was that they are usually the easiest to get rid of.
Methylation of extrinsic stains:
- Professional cleaning with a dentist in your area on a regular basis.
- Polishing stains on the surface of the teeth by using whitening toothpaste.
- Whitening inside or outside your dentist office.
Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Intrinsic stains are formed under the tooth. They are normally because of the alterations in the tooth structure, and are harder to treat. Causes may include:
- Too much fluoride in childhood.
- Some drugs include antibiotics like tetracycline.
- Damage to a tooth that can make it dark within.
- The process of natural aging, through which the enamel becomes thin and the dentin grows darker.
These stains do not react well with whitening toothpaste since the discoloration is internal with the tooth.
Removal of intrinsic stains:
- Professional staining teeth whitening that utilizes stronger bleaching agents.
- Dental bonding to cover localized spots, or darkened teeth.
- Severe cases where the whitening is not effective use veneers or crowns.
Age-Related Tooth Stains
You can also find yourself having yellow or gray teeth with age. This is a mixture of extrinsic and intrinsic staining. As one ages, the enamel fades away exposing the darker dentin and daily habits increase surface stains.
- The management of age-related stains:
- Customized professional whitening treatment.
- There is also the option of combination therapy such as whitening and bonding or veneers.
- Eating healthily and drinking sparingly.
Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Tooth Stains: Understanding the Difference
It is worth knowing that there is the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic tooth stains so that a solution can be reached. Extrinsic stains are those that can be noticed on the surface of the tooth and this can easily be removed through the polishing process, whereas intrinsic stains are those that are located inside the tooth and may need complicated cosmetic procedures.
In case you are not certain about the kind of discoloration that you have, a visit to a dentist in your area or dentist near you can help you clarify. They are able to determine the kind of stain and prescribe how to remove tooth discoloration in the most effective manner.
Best Way to Keep Your Smile Bright
Professional treatments are the best, but prevention is equally crucial. You can minimize stains by:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Washing after having consumed coffee, tea or wine.
- Stain causing drinks with a straw.
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Booking frequent cleaning and checkups.
Conclusion
Stains on your teeth can happen to anyone, but the important thing is that they can be treated and do not need to be permanent. Depending on the treatment you choose, you might feel very confident to show off your stain-free smile again.
Are you ready to enjoy your smile again? Contact 44th Street Dental today for an appointment to go over the treatment that is right for you.