Stains on the teeth are caused due to various reasons, such as drinks, foods, using certain medications, and poor oral hygiene. Luckily, most of the stains can be preventable and treatable. In this article, you can learn a few possibilities of causing stains, types, preventive measures, and treatment methods.
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Causes for teeth stain
Teeth stains or discoloration are caused by
- Stains on the surface of the teeth
- Changes in the material of the teeth
- Both
Here is a list of few causes for teeth stain, such as:
Food and beverages
Few specific foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, chocolate, and red wine, move to the surface of the teeth and cause stains.
Tobacco
According to research studies, smokers are at a high risk of having teeth discoloration compared to others. A research study carried out on smokers showed that they are dissatisfied with how their teeth look.
Oral hygiene
Poor oral care, like improper or inadequate flossing or brushing can cause tooth discoloration.
Diseases, injuries, and age
Illness, diseases, or injuries, which affect the enamel of the tooth, may discolor it. Diseases or injuries that occur at the roots will also damage the teeth and make them dark.
Medications and treatment methods
According to studies, taking antibiotics containing tetracycline can cause permanent teeth discoloration. In few cases, medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, blood pressure, antipsychotic medicines, can also cause stains on the teeth.
Different types of stains
Tooth discoloration is categorized into 3 types. They include:
Intrinsic
These stains are occurred at the surface or within the teeth when the staining particles accumulate at the enamel. These stains are more resistant and hard to remove. Teeth whitening treatment is the best choice to eliminate these stains.
Extrinsic
These stains affect the teeth’ surface or tooth enamel. They occur due to the build-up of protein or residue of drink or food. These stains can be eliminated by frequent dental cleaning sessions and brushing.
Age-related stains
The dentin- the main tissue of the teeth becomes yellow and thin over time. In many cases, age-related stains can be caused due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
How to eliminate stains?
There are many procedures and at-home treatment options are available to reduce or eliminate the stains and get clear, white teeth.
Teeth whitening treatment
It is a fast, affordable, and safe procedure that is used to eliminate teeth discoloration. In this method, the latest technologies are used to create a brilliant smile. You can get customized bleach splints, which you have to wear for few hours to reduce the stains on the teeth.
The impression of your teeth is taken to create a stent or mouthguard, which holds the bleaching material. You have to use it every night for an hour up to one or two weeks to whiten your teeth. This treatment is ideal for people with stained, yellow, or aging teeth. For severe stains, you need to use dental veneers or dental crown.
If your teeth are yellowish or you find any grayish or dark-colored stains on the teeth, consult your dentist immediately before the stains become stubborn.