How to Prevent Teeth Stains

Definition of Dental Stains

Very simply, the discoloration of your teeth due to a variety of factors. Teeth stains can be broken down into two categories:

Extrinsic staining – Pigmented deposits found on the tooth surface that are caused by topical or external agents.
Intrinsic staining – Stains incorporated within the tooth structure.
Causes of Stains on Teeth:
Extrinsic staining
Plaque
Calculus
Foods and beverages
Tobacco
Certain types of bacteria and topical medications
Enamel defects
Salivary dysfunction

Poor oral hygiene
Small grooves, pits or fissures in the tooth surface.
Intrinsic staining:
Dental restorations (i.e. corroded amalgam fillings)
Dental decay
Trauma to a tooth
Necrotic or infected nerve
Infections
Medications (i.e. Tetracycline)
Genetic defects
Hereditary diseases such as hypocalcification or fluorosis that affect dentin and enamel development

Treatment Options for Teeth Stains:

In-office: Extrinsic Staining:

Professional teeth cleaning – Keeping up with your regular recall appointments will help keep teeth stains to a minimum.
Professional whitening – We offer in-office, at-home and over the counter options to meet your needs. Read more about Teeth Whitening Options here!
Intrinsic Staining:
This type of stain requires permanent restoration – i.e., replacing an old amalgam filling or placing a new veneer/crown/etc.
In some cases of hypo calcification and fluorosis, microabrasion can be performed. When in conjunction with in-office whitening, desired results MAY be achieved. This depends on the depth of the tooth stain.

At-home: Extrinsic Staining only:

Watch what you eat! Keep track of how much stain occurs how frequently with different foods/beverages and reduce consumption accordingly. Anything that can stain a white shirt can cause a tooth stain!
Rinse with water after consuming dark, sugary and acidic foods

Don’t smoke!
Consider shorter recalls – getting a professional cleaning more often can reduce your overall amount of stain.
Brushing at least 2 times a day- especially after consumption of staining agent. Consider an electric toothbrush!
Over the counter whitening products (whitening strips, toothpaste, rinses etc.) If you choose to use a whitening toothpaste, we recommend using a sensitive whitening toothpaste brand such as Sensodyne Whitening to prevent gum sensitivity and recession.

Find the Answers

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