Understanding Tooth Stains and Their Top Treatment Methods - Premier Dentistry of Eagle (2024)

A bright, white smile is often associated with good health and hygiene. However, tooth discoloration is a common phenomenon that many grapple with, regardless of their dental habits. This comprehensive guide will take you through the various types of tooth stains and the most effective treatment options for each type. Whether you’re looking to address intrinsic or extrinsic stains, we have you covered. Let’s dive into the nuances of dental discoloration and how to combat it.

Extrinsic Stains: Prevention and Treatment

Extrinsic stains are found on the surface of the enamel and can be caused by factors such as diet, smoking, or poor dental hygiene. Here’s what you need to know to keep these stains at bay and brighten your smile:

Causes of Extrinsic Stains

  • Food and Drink: Certain items like coffee, tea, red wine, and acidic fruits can lead to staining. High pigment content in these can easily attach to the enamel and develop into visible discoloration.
  • Tobacco Products: Tobacco, whether chewed or smoked, contains tar and nicotine that can yellow teeth over time.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly results in a build-up of plaque, which can develop into tartar and cause teeth to look yellow or brown.

Prevention

  • Regular Brushing: Proper oral hygiene maintenance is crucial. Brush at least twice daily to prevent plaque build-up and stains from settling.
  • Stain-Causing Food Avoidance: Limiting consumption of known staining foods can help. If you can’t resist that morning coffee, consider a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
  • Dental Check-ups: Regular cleanings and check-ups can remove stains and help detect issues early.

Treatment

  • Professional Cleanings: Regular visits to your dentist for scaling and polishing can help remove surface stains.
  • Whitening Toothpaste: Formulated with polishing or chemical agents, these can reduce superficial stains.
  • Professional Bleaching: For more stubborn stains, in-office bleaching treatments with strong peroxide solutions may be necessary.

Intrinsic Stains: A Deeper Look and Treatment

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth structure and are often associated with changes during tooth development or the use of certain medications. Tackling these requires different approaches compared to extrinsic stains.

Causes of Intrinsic Stains

  • Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can lead to a pitted or mottled discoloration.
  • Dental Trauma: Injuries to developing teeth or severe trauma in adulthood can cause discoloration.
  • Tetracycline Antibiotics: When taken during childhood, these can cause dark gray staining of teeth.

Prevention

  • Watch Fluoride Levels: Monitor fluoride intake, especially during childhood, as it can’t reverse fluorosis but can prevent further damage.

Treatment

  • Porcelain Veneers: For severe stains, veneers might be recommended to cover the front surface of the teeth.
  • Bonding: A resin material is applied and shaped to improve the appearance of a discolored tooth.
  • Internal Whitening: A dentist drills a hole in the tooth and places a bleaching agent inside. Once the desired shade is reached, the hole is sealed.

Natural Aging and Genetic Stains: Understanding the Inevitable

As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears away, showing the yellowish dentin underneath. Additionally, genetics play a role in determining the thickness and smoothness of enamel, affecting susceptibility to staining.

Causes of Natural Aging and Genetic Stains

  • Enamel Wear: Over time, chewing and abrasion from food contact can lead to enamel thinning.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Some people just have thicker or brighter enamel thanks to their DNA.

Treatment

  • Bleaching: Both at-home and in-office bleaching can be used to address the discoloration due to aging and genetic factors.
  • Restorative Treatments: Crowns and veneers can be used to cover the yellowed or discolored enamel.

What to Expect During and After Stain Treatment

Understanding what happens during the various treatments can alleviate any anxieties you might have. But more importantly, what can you expect post-treatment?

During the Treatment

  • Bleaching Sessions: For in-office treatments, you may need multiple sessions, each lasting about an hour.
  • Veneer or Bonding Application: The dentist will etch the tooth’s surface to prepare for application and will then use a strong adhesive to bond the custom-made veneers or the bonding material.

After the Treatment

  • Sensitivity: It is common to experience tooth sensitivity after procedures like bleaching, which should subside.
  • Instructions: Follow the dentist’s instructions on what to eat, how to clean your teeth, and if there’s any follow-up care.
  • Maintenance: To maintain the results, avoid staining food and drink for a few days, and practice good oral hygiene consistently.

The Role of Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Products

Numerous home remedies have been touted for their ability to whiten teeth, from baking soda to activated charcoal. Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products like strips and trays can also offer a convenient and cost-effective solution.

Effectiveness and Safety

  • Home Remedies: While some may provide superficial results, they are not a replacement for professional treatments and can be abrasive or cause enamel erosion if used too aggressively.
  • OTC Products: These can be effective for mild staining and are generally safe if used as directed.

Best Practices

  • Control Intensity: Use these products sparingly to avoid damage to your teeth’s enamel or gums.
  • Combine with Professional Care: Regular use of OTC products should not replace professional dental care but can complement it.

Long-Term Maintenance of a Stain-Free Smile

Achieving a dazzling, tooth-stain-free smile is one thing; maintaining it is another. Here are ways you can ensure those pearly whites stay that way for the long run:

Consistent Oral Hygiene

  • Proper Brushing and Flossing: It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial these two are in maintaining oral health and a white smile.
  • Stain-Limiting Diet: Reducing your intake of staining foods and drinks can significantly prevent new stains from forming.

Regular Professional Care

  • Dental Cleanings: Bi-annual cleanings can remove new surface stains before they become an issue.
  • Check-Ups: Regular visits to your dentist can spot potential problems that could lead to future staining.

Enhancing Your Dental Routine for Optimal Stain Prevention

Taking an active approach to your oral hygiene can not only prevent stains but also provide other health benefits to your teeth and gums.

Recommendations for an Optimal Dental Routine

  • Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush: Research suggests these are more effective at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis than manual brushing.
  • Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque formation and associated staining.
  • Consider Your Diet: Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C can help to keep your enamel strong.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

At Premier Dentistry of Eagle, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are struggling with tooth stains or want to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Tooth Stains and Their Top Treatment Methods - Premier Dentistry of Eagle (2024)

FAQs

What is the best stain remover for teeth? ›

Dramatic Whitening: Oral-B 3D White Luxe toothpaste can help improve coffee stained teeth and provides noticeable whitening results after seven days of use. Gentle Whitening: If you have teeth sensitive to whitening, Oral-B 3D White Delicate White can help improve the appearance of coffee stained teeth gradually.

How do dentists remove stains from teeth? ›

Having a simple scale and polish can often remove the majority of superficial surface stains. Some dentists also are able to provide an intensive clean using a prophy-jet system, which blasts stains away using bicarbonate particles.

How can I get rid of stains on my teeth? ›

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.

Whitening toothpastes generally work by using abrasives to gently scrub stains from the surface. Some also include bleaching agents to remove deep-set stains, too. Your teeth should become gradually whiter as the products lift off stains bit by bit, day by day.

What drink causes more stains on teeth? ›

Coffee and tea

Like sodas and juices, another drink that can damage your teeth's enamel is coffee. This beverage contains tannins that can stain and cause discoloration with its high acidity levels. The stronger the coffee mixture is, the tougher its acid content will be.

What is the best natural stain remover for teeth? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial property that makes it useful for removing tooth stains and cleaning the mouth.

What is the best way to remove teeth stains naturally? ›

Here are six ways for you to naturally whiten your teeth without the use of any harmful chemicals:
  1. First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
  2. Oil pulling: ...
  3. Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
  4. Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
  5. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
  6. Go to the dentist:

Can you get rid of permanent stains on teeth? ›

Intrinsic Stains

Eventually, they reach the dentin. Unfortunately, removing teeth stains in the dentin is much harder. If you're looking for how to remove deep stains from the teeth, at-home solutions won't work. You'll need professional teeth whitening treatment.

How do dentist remove yellow stains from teeth? ›

They may use laser treatments or bleaching agents to break down stubborn stains, providing immediate and noticeable results.

How much does it cost to remove teeth stains? ›

The most common type of professional teeth whitening is in-office bleaching, which usually costs between $500 and $1,000 per session with a national average of $650 per visit. Laser tooth whitening is another popular option that typically costs an average of $750 per session, varying between $500 and $1,000.

How to remove tooth stains at home? ›

How To Remove Stains From Teeth? – 10 Simple Ways
  1. Use whitening toothpaste. Does that sound prosaic to you? ...
  2. Use baking soda. Take a couple of large spoons of baking soda. ...
  3. Apply activated charcoal. ...
  4. Apply hydrogen peroxide. ...
  5. Rub with fruit peel. ...
  6. Consume a better diet. ...
  7. Tooth whitening strips. ...
  8. Eat fruits.
Feb 27, 2022

Can you reverse brown stains on teeth? ›

Many over-the-counter products can eliminate tooth discoloration. A person will usually see results after 1–2 weeks, though there is no guarantee. Some over-the-counter options include: whitening mouthwashes and rinses containing hydrogen peroxide.

What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration? ›

Tooth discoloration from vitamin deficiency often occurs in people who don't get enough vitamin D. Without exposure to sunlight or other sources of this vitamin, the dentin that forms the core of the teeth cannot fully regenerate and build new layers.

What are the worst foods for staining teeth? ›

Common teeth-staining foods
  • Tea and coffee. Tea (including green tea) and coffee contain tannins, which cause staining.
  • Red wine. Drinking red wine is one of the most common causes of tooth staining.
  • Cola. ...
  • Fruit juices. ...
  • Tomato-based sauces. ...
  • Curry. ...
  • Balsamic vinegar. ...
  • Soy sauce.
Sep 20, 2022

How do coffee drinkers keep their teeth white? ›

By drinking beverages that stain through a straw, you prevent the liquid from ever making contact with your teeth. Add a little cream. Milk has a natural neutralizing effect on compounds that destroy tooth enamel. Brush or rinse immediately after drinking.

What food whitens teeth? ›

Strawberries, watermelon, and dairy products may help whiten your teeth. These foods contain compounds with lightening properties. Pineapple and papaya also have proteolytic enzymes that dissolve stain-causing proteins on your teeth.

What gets dark stains off teeth? ›

Some of the ways how to remove brown stains from teeth naturally include: Apple Cider Vinegar: Dip a toothbrush in apple cider vinegar and brush your teeth for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water afterward. Apple cider vinegar has natural whitening properties and helps to remove stains.

How do you whiten badly stained teeth? ›

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

You can also use the same ratio of ingredients to make a mouthwash. Or, you can try baking soda with water. A 2012 study found that people who used a toothpaste containing baking soda and peroxide got rid of tooth stains and whitened their teeth.

How do you get badly stains off your teeth white? ›

Use a teeth whitening toothpaste: Many kinds of toothpaste incorporate baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, which will make it easier to remove stains. Baking soda is a strong substance, but this type of toothpaste uses a small amount. You can also have professional teeth whitening treatment.

Can permanent teeth stains be removed? ›

Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too. In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks.

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