All You Wanted To Know About Teeth Staining

While celebrities and models may sport pearly white teeth, the smiles of most people are a tad dull. This  commonly  happens since many things can affect the color of your teeth and turn them to a yellow hue, which may make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance and hesitant to smile. Teeth-Staining is a very common dental problem which could be a result of surface stains, due to the changes in the tooth material or because of a combination of both factors.

 Types of Tooth Discolorations (Stains)

Dental professionals have identified three main categories of tooth discolorations:

1. Extrinsic Teeth Stains:

An extrinsic tooth stain is staining on the surface of the tooth which occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-up and cover the tooth enamel.

Extrinsic tooth stains are caused by:

• Food & Drink: Coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even a few fruits and vegetables are proven causes of discolored teeth.
• Tobacco: Both cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discolored teeth.
• Oral Care: Poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing or flossing, can lead to tooth discoloration.

2. Intrinsic Teeth Stains:

An intrinsic tooth stain is staining below the surface of the tooth which occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel.  It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel.

Intrinsic stains are caused by:

• Certain medications
• Trauma or injury to a tooth
• Tooth decay
• Excessive fluoride
• Genetics

3. Age-Related Teeth Stains:

Age-related teeth stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discoloration. Because the core tissue of your teeth, the dentin naturally yellows over time and so the teeth discolor with age. As we age the enamel that covers the tooth becomes thinner allowing the dentin to show through. These intrinsic causes of discoloration combined with extrinsic causes such as the effects of certain foods, beverages, and tobacco, will cause most adults’ teeth to discolor with age.

Here are answers to some common questions about teeth staining that will help you prevent and address dental stains.

1)  Are teeth naturally white in color?

Teeth are not naturally white; they are a pearly shade and as we age, no matter how good your oral hygiene, gradually teeth turn more yellow. You must have noticed,  a baby’s snow-white teeth are replaced by permanent teeth that are by nature more yellow in color. As we get older the outer layer of enamel on the teeth wears down and exposes the dentin layer of the teeth which is more yellow. Over time the tartar and wear-and-tear stains appear and can darken the color of teeth.

2) What food and drinks cause teeth staining?

Foods such as

• Highly colored fruits and vegetables like blackcurrants beetroot,
• bright curries contain stain-causing compounds that will build upon your teeth over time.
• likewise, drinks such as
• sugar based sodas
• tea
• coffee
• red wine contain tannins which can turn the teeth brown in color if drunk regularly.

3) Does green tea stain your teeth?

Yes, all types of teas erode teeth enamel and can cause teeth staining. Although tea has many great health benefits, it can also cause stained teeth. There are many different varieties of tea and each has its own capacity to stain teeth. Darker the tea colors, more the chance of it  leading to stains.

4) Are teeth stains reversible?

The three primary types of teeth stains are age-related stains, surface stains, and under the surface stains. All these teeth stains can be benefited from teeth whitening treatments. Teeth Whitening in south Delhi is very popular now.

5) How can I prevent teeth staining?

To prevent teeth staining, you must

• Avoid foods and beverages that stain your teeth
• Stop smoking
• Practice good oral care which includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth after every meal.
• Visit a dentist at least twice a year if you want to prevent your teeth from staining.

6) Do whitening toothpastes work?

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary in their ability to whiten teeth as they work by removing surface stains from the teeth by the use of mild abrasives. However they do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives and with repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity.

7) What are treatment options to treat discolored teeth?

Teeth discoloration can be aided by the use of the following treatment options:

• Teeth Whitening
• White composite fillings
• Ceramic Veneers
• Ceramic Crowns
• Professional cleaning

8) Do the whitening systems work on Dentures, Crowns or Veneers?

 Tooth whitening is designed to enhance the natural whiteness of the enamel (outer most layer of the tooth). Existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, dentures, crowns, bondings, veneers and bridges do not lighten or whiten with this procedure.

9) Do braces stain your teeth?

Sometimes mild stains are visible once braces are removed, but braces are not a reason for teeth staining rather it is the way the teeth were taken care of while the braces treatment is going on. Follow the instructions given by your dentist during the treatment and once the treatment is over you can get a regular cleaning of your teeth done or you can also get professional teeth whitening procedure done.

10) How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?

The amount of whitening varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted or guaranteed; but in general, teeth may lighten anywhere from 6 to 9 shades on the whitening shade guide.  The results greatly depend on how discolored (yellow or brown) the teeth were originally.

The best prevention for stained teeth is paying attention to what you eat and drink, and not smoking. You should also practice good dental hygiene and visit a dental professional at least twice a year.

Treatment options for extrinsic stains are as follows:

• Lifestyle modification
• Practicing efficient oral hygiene
• Professional Cleaning
• Teeth Whitening/Bleaching

Treatment options for intrinsic stains are as follows:

• Teeth Whitening/Bleaching
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Tooth colored (white) fillings

Treatment options for age related stains are:

• Smile Makeover with ceramic crowns
• Smile Makeover with ceramic veneers

If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, consult us now. There are numerous teeth whitening treatments that can be done which could lead to a bright white smile. Dental Clinics in Delhi are performing these regularly. Teeth Whitening treatment cost in Delhi is quite reasonable.

You can share the picture of your smile on our mail id [email protected] or whatsapp Dr. Suprriya B Bhatia on +91-9811106377. We will advise you on the best Smile Makeover treatment option for you to get the beautiful smile you have always desired. We at ‘Smile Delhi – The Dental Clinic’, provide the best teeth whitening in Delhi by using Zoom Advanced teeth whitening procedure.

We Care To Make You Smile.

Posted By – Dr. Sonam