Have you ever looked in the mirror to see discoloured and yellow teeth smiling back at you? Though everyone desires to flaunt a bright smile, many of you may have battled tooth stains at some point. Plenty of options are available if you are wondering what to do about your stained teeth.
Teeth whitening methods depend on the type and intensity of the stains and your unique oral needs. Read on to understand the types of stains and different methods to get rid of them for a bright smile.
Three Types of Teeth Stains
Teeth become discoloured when the tooth enamel or the underlying dentin becomes stained. You may notice dark or white spots or yellow stains. They can be simple surface stains or tougher discolouration from within. Understanding the type of tooth stain is vital to determining the right treatment. Dental professionals have identified the following three types of teeth stains:
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
An extrinsic tooth stain occurs on the enamel, the hardest outer surface of the tooth. When the enamel is exposed to pigmented foods and drinks, it absorbs the stain particles, causing discolouration. Extrinsic stains build up on the enamel and do not affect the underlying tooth structure. They are easy to remove and respond to daily oral care routines and at-home teeth whitening products.
Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Intrinsic tooth stains affect the inner tooth structure called dentin. It is a soft and sensitive layer below the enamel and is more yellow in colour. It gets exposed when the enamel thins down from wear or poor oral hygiene. Intrinsic tooth discolouration occurs as the pigments penetrate the enamel and stain the dentin. Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains are tougher to remove. They require professional teeth whitening or advanced dental procedures.
Age-Related Stains
Like other signs in the body, your teeth show signs of ageing as you grow older. You can expect to see two major changes in your teeth as you age: the dentin gets darker, and the enamel gets thinner. Together, they cause unwanted stains on teeth that are beyond your control. Like intrinsic stains, age-related staining affects the dentin of your teeth. You can manage them with in-office whitening or over-the-counter products containing advanced whitening technology.
Reasons for Teeth Stains
The natural brightness of your smile can fade due to stains on teeth, which occur for various reasons. While some of them are out of your control, most can be checked with a proactive approach to oral care. You may watch out for the following common culprits behind tooth discolouration:
Excess intake of pigmented foods and drinks like tea, coffee, berries, and red wine
Chewing tobacco and smoking which cause brown spots (nicotine stains)
Yellow tartar (hardened plaque) deposits from poor dental hygiene
Injuries and trauma that cause black, brown or grey discolouration
Excess consumption of fluoride at early ages (fluorosis)
Genetic factors and ageing that affect the thickness of tooth enamel
Additional factors include early antibiotic use, metabolic disorders affecting tooth development, untreated cavities or decay, and dental restorations like metal fillings or root canals.
How To Remove Stains From Teeth
The first step towards a bright smile is checking the common causes of stains. This necessitates good oral hygiene and changes in diet and lifestyle, such as quitting tobacco use. However, with daily exposure to pigmented foods and drinks, your teeth are likely to discolour. Fortunately, various methods are available to remove stains from teeth. They range from simple at-home methods to premium in-office treatments, as follows:
Removing Teeth Stains at Home
At-home methods to remove stains from teeth include daily oral care and proprietary teeth whitening products. One may be tempted by home remedies with kitchen staples like baking soda for teeth stain removal. However, they are unreliable, lack scientific evidence and can be potentially harmful. Here are some effective methods to keep extrinsic stains away for a brighter smile:
Good oral hygiene: Brush two times and floss once daily to clear out plaque and surface stains. Using fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush prevents tooth decay and enamel damage. Rinse with mouthwash or water after consuming foods and drinks to wash away plaque and staining residues.
Whitening Toothpaste: It offers a safe way to brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home. You can easily include it in your daily routine. Proprietary whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that remove surface stains. Some of them offer advanced whitening technology that works beyond the enamel to lighten deep-set stains.
