Tooth discoloration and stains on your teeth are common occurrences that can happen for a variety of reasons. The good news? Many of these stains are treatable and preventable. Show Here’s what you need to know about the causes of tooth discoloration and stains, and what you can do to keep your pearly whites looking their best. Tooth discoloration falls into three different categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.
“The main issues for discoloration are typically what we eat and drink, aging, and tooth injuries,” explains Sheila Samaddar, DDS, president of the District of Columbia Academy of General Dentistry. Food, drink, and tobaccoCertain types of food and drink can move into the outer layers of your tooth structure and stain your teeth. Some of the most common tooth staining culprits include:
Tobacco use in the form of cigarettes or chewing tobacco can also cause tooth discoloration. According to clinical research, there is a higher prevalence of tooth discoloration in smokers over non-smokers. Additionally, the research found that there is a higher level of dissatisfaction among smokers with how they look, based on the appearance of their teeth. Also, according to Tufts School of Dental Medicine, an acidic environment in your mouth can make your enamel more prone to discoloration. Age, injuries, and antibiotics“As you age, your teeth can become more brittle, and allow staining or yellowing to occur,” says Samaddar. When tooth injuries are the root of the problem, sometimes only the damaged tooth will darken. If you took antibiotics as a child, you might want to find out which ones you were prescribed. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there is a link between taking tetracycline antibiotics as a child and permanent tooth discoloration. If you’re wondering what’s causing the discoloration of your teeth, Rhonda Kalasho, DDS, of GLO Modern Dentistry, offers the following insight about what can cause surface stains on your teeth.
There are many products and procedures that can whiten your teeth and eliminate or reduce the appearance of stains. Generally speaking, teeth whitening options fall into three broad categories. They include:
Samaddar recommends talking with your dentist before you try any teeth whitening product to ensure it’s safe. Some products can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Additionally, make sure to visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings. Regular checkups and cleanings can often help to reduce the appearance of stains and spots. If you notice a change in the color of your teeth and it doesn’t get better with a whitening product, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dentist. “If the staining appears to be deep, and if no over-the-counter whitening agents are able to get rid of the staining, it could be something more serious, such as a cavity or demineralization of enamel,” says Kalasho. If only one tooth is discolored, it may be due to a cavity or an injury to the inside of your tooth. The sooner these types of issues get treated by your dentist, the better the outcome will likely be. To keep your teeth in good health, see your dentist twice a year for routine exams. It’s often during these appointments that problems are discovered. When treatment is done early, it can help prevent the issue from becoming more complicated.
Tooth discoloration is common and can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons. It’s often caused by pigmented food and beverages as well as tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, or chew tobacco. Stains that appear on the surface of your teeth can usually be removed or reduced with teeth whitening products or procedures. These can be done by your dentist or you can try at-home products. Discoloration or stains that appear inside your teeth, known as intrinsic stains, can be caused by tooth decay, an injury, or a medication. Your dentist can advise you on the best course of action for these types of stains. How can I remove stains from teeth at home?Baking Soda & Water
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.
How do you remove deep stains from teeth?Brush your teeth with water and baking soda or toothpaste for up to two minutes each day. This removes surface bacteria and discoloration on the tooth.
Can stain teeth go away?Staining of the enamel is not permanent and can be easily reversed with treatments through professional stain removal and tooth whitening. Steer away from home remedies. Often these products are abrasive and can scratch the enamel making them more susceptible to staining - such as whitening toothpastes.
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