Why Do You Have Stained and Discolored Teeth?
How you feel about your teeth impacts how often you smile. If you feel embarrassed about stains on your teeth, you might find yourself smiling less frequently. The way our patients' feel about their smiles matters greatly to us. A common issue we often address at our dental practice is tooth discoloration, which can range from subtle yellowing to pronounced shades of brown or gray, all of which impact your confidence and willingness to smile. Our experienced dental team will speak with you during your consultation to see which treatment option may be right for you.
Stained teeth refer to teeth that have changed in color from their natural shade, due to various external or internal factors. This discoloration can manifest as yellow, brown, or gray. Stains can occur on the surface of the tooth (extrinsic stains) or within the tooth structure itself (intrinsic stains).
Extrinsic Stains
These are caused by external factors that often affect the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). Common causes include the consumption of pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato-based sauces, and certain spices. Smoking or using tobacco products can also lead to extrinsic stains due to tar and nicotine.
Inadequate flossing and brushing can result in the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Plaque, when not removed regularly, can harden into tartar, which can cause surface discoloration that contributes to staining.
Intrinsic Stains
Some medications, particularly certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, when taken during childhood, can cause intrinsic stains. These stains occur within the tooth's structure, making the stains more challenging to remove through regular cleaning.
Physical trauma to a tooth, such as a fall or impact, can cause intrinsic discoloration. This is because the tooth may react to the injury by laying down more dentin (the inner layer of the tooth beneath the enamel), which can darken the color of the tooth.
Over time, the enamel of our teeth can wear away, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. This natural process makes teeth appear more stained or discolored as we age.
Prevention and Treatment For Stained Teeth
Keeping your smile bright starts with good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and limiting staining foods and drinks. Professional cleanings can remove surface stains, while deeper discoloration may require treatments like whitening, veneers, or crowns.
Understanding the type and cause of staining is key to choosing the right solution. A consultation with our dentist ensures a personalized treatment plan to address current stains and help prevent future discoloration.
