Dealing with Stubborn Tooth Stains? Here’s Your Solution

Are your once-white teeth beginning to look dull and yellow? While tooth stains oftentimes don’t mean that your oral health is under siege, it still might be frustrating to you when your teeth don’t look as good as they could.

Tooth stains happen for an array of reasons, and it’s helpful for you to understand why so you can be proactive. Keep reading to learn about the types of tooth stains, as well as teeth whitening treatments and other cosmetic services your dentist offers to help you send them packing!

What Differentiates the Categories of Tooth Stains?

Dentists separate tooth discoloration into three main categories:

• Extrinsic: This is a stain on the surface of a tooth. Stain particles accumulate in the film of protein that covers tooth enamel. Common causes are tobacco, dark fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, wine, or pigmented soft drinks.
• Intrinsic: This is a stain that’s actually below the tooth’s surface. Stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the enamel. Causes include certain medications, tooth decay, trauma to a tooth, excessive fluoride use, and genetics.
• Age-Related: This category is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Since your teeth’s dentin naturally yellows over time, discoloration can surface. Tooth enamel becomes thinner with age, which enables the dentin to show through. Foods and beverages mentioned above account for the extrinsic stains.

What Can You Do to Remove Tooth Stains?

Method of removal is dependent upon the type of stain:

• Extrinsic: These stains can often be removed with regular dental cleanings and brushing with a whitening toothpaste. Teeth whitening with your dentist could be an option for tougher stains.
• Intrinsic: Teeth whitening with your dentist, either at-home kits or in-office treatments, could be the answer. If whitening can’t fix the issue, ask your dentist about porcelain veneers or dental bonding. Veneers are thin sheaths placed over the front of teeth that require minimal maintenance and can last 20 years. With dental bonding, a composite resin is applied to the tooth and then shaped, hardened, and polished.
• Age-Related: These stains require the same treatment as removal of intrinsic staining.

Just as there is variety in the types of tooth stains, you have choices in how you get rid of them. Your dentist can examine staining you might have and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins takes pride in going above and beyond no matter the service a patient may need. He completes more than 100 continuing education hours annually to stay on top of all the latest advances in dentistry. When it comes to saying goodbye to tooth stains, Dr. Oshins is ready to assist with porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or KöR Whitening. To schedule a consultation or to learn about his other dental services, visit his website or call (518) 356-5635.