No one likes to look in the mirror and see discoloured and yellow teeth smiling back at them. Most people might battle tooth stains at some point in their life. But, determining how to remove teeth stains and getting whiter teeth can be difficult to determine. Removing teeth stains depends on the type of teeth stain you have. But the good news is that with so many whitening options available, there’s bound to be one that will get your smile shining in no time.
Three Types of Teeth Stains
Stains fall into one of three categories based on where they occur on the tooth and how they form. The categories of teeth stains are extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related stains.
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
An extrinsic tooth stain is a stain on the outer part of the tooth. These stain molecules make their home on your enamel, which is the layer of the tooth that protects the softer part of the tooth (dentin) underneath. Even though enamel is the hardest part of the tooth, it comes in contact with everything you eat or drink and can absorb some of the pigment over time, causing a stain on the surface of your teeth. The good news is that extrinsic teeth stains do not move below the enamel to the inner part of the tooth, which means it’s easier to remove them!
Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Intrinsic teeth stains occur below the enamel - on a sensitive layer called dentin. Dentin is naturally darker and more yellow in colour and is exposed when the enamel is thinned or worn down from wear or poor dental hygiene. These stains are a little tougher to remove, but do not worry; it can be done!
Age-related Stains
Like many things in your body, your teeth show signs of ageing as you get older. You can expect to see two central changes to your teeth as you age: your dentin gets darker, and your enamel gets thinner. The combination causes unwanted tooth discolouration that, unfortunately, is out of your control.
Similar to intrinsic stains, age-related staining affects the dentin of your teeth. So, it would be most effective to treat this type of tooth stain with a product that uses an effective whitening ingredient like hydrogen peroxide. Newer technologies like oxygenated whitening or professional whitening treatments done in a dentist clinic can also help.
Reasons for Teeth Stains
Stained teeth often result from lifestyle habits, food habits, poor oral hygiene, health issues, and ageing processes. Understanding the common causes of stains makes it possible to modify habits and behaviours to prevent tooth stains and discolouration. Major sources of stain in teeth include:
Certain coloured or pigmented food or drinks - like coffee, tea, wine, etc.
Smoking or consuming tobacco
Inadequate oral care
Genetics and other natural factors
Certain medications or antibiotics
Natural wear and tear of enamel with age
Accidents or trauma
How To Remove Stains From Teeth
With some time and effort, it is possible to find products and treatments that can remove stains and fit within one’s budget and lifestyle.
Removing Teeth Stains at Home
There are also several at-home products and methods you can try to help lift stains and brighten your smile. Some options include:
- Whitening Toothpaste: Using a whitening toothpaste is a great way to remove extrinsic and intrinsic stains from the comfort of your home. Many whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help to remove build-up and surface stains. Some toothpastes also might contain a whitening ingredient like hydrogen peroxide active oxygen that goes beneath the surface to remove deep-set stains. Using whitening toothpaste is the easiest remedy to remove stains on teeth since it’s easily incorporated into something you already do (or should do) twice daily.