You generally do a good job of maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. But despite your efforts, there are still stains on your teeth that draw your eye whenever you see yourself in the mirror or in photos. What can cause these discolored spots to appear? And how can cosmetic dentistry help you address this issue and enhance your smile?
Types of Tooth Stains and Their Causes
Not all dental stains are the same. There are three main kinds of tooth discoloration, and each one has different potential causes:
- Extrinsic Staining: If a stain occurs on the surface of your enamel, it is known as an extrinsic stain. Many dark-colored foods and beverages (with common examples being coffee, tomato sauce, and red wine) can easily lead to extrinsic staining.
- Intrinsic Staining: An intrinsic stain is the opposite of an extrinsic stain; it is located under the enamel, which can make it harder to remove. You may develop intrinsic stains on your smile if you’re exposed to excessive fluoride, use certain kinds of medications, or suffer from a tooth injury.
- Age-Related Discoloration: As the years pass, your smile may start to look yellower than it used to. This is because enamel tends to grow thinner over time. As a result, the underlying dentin layer (which is naturally yellow) becomes more visible.
What Can You Do About Tooth Stains?
If you want to say goodbye to the stains on your teeth, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your dental discoloration to determine whether it’s extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related. Once they’ve identified the underlying cause of the issue, they can help you explore your options for brightening your smile.
Oftentimes, extrinsic and intrinsic stains can be removed with a professional whitening treatment. This approach involves the use of a powerful bleaching gel that can break down stain molecules above and below the surface of the tooth. Many dental practices offer in-office and take-home teeth whitening options; your dentist can help you decide which approach best suits your needs.
Of course, some stains are particularly stubborn and may not respond to professional whitening. In these cases, you may want to consider veneers or cosmetic dental bonding. Thanks to these treatments, it’s possible to hide discolored spots on your teeth while maintaining a natural-looking smile.
In short, there can be various explanations for stains on your teeth. If you want to enjoy a brighter smile again, you should speak to your dentist so that they can narrow down the cause of the discoloration as well as the best options for treatment.
About the Practice
At Frandsen Dental of Grantsville, our team includes multiple dentists who are dedicated to bringing their patients innovative, compassionate care. We work with patients of all ages and are able to meet a wide variety of dental needs thanks to our comprehensive menu of services. We’ve helped many individuals improve their smiles with teeth whitening, veneers, and other forms of cosmetic dentistry. If you’re looking for a solution for stained teeth, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website, using our online booking tool, or calling (435) 884-3002.