Stained Teeth

What Are Stained Teeth?

Stained teeth refer to discoloration or a change in the natural color of your teeth. There are two main types of stains:

• Extrinsic stains: These are stains on the surface of the teeth caused by foods, drinks, or tobacco use. They can often be removed through professional cleaning or whitening treatments.
• Intrinsic stains: These stains occur inside the tooth and are often caused by factors like aging, certain medications, or excessive fluoride during childhood. Intrinsic stains may require more advanced treatments to address.

Common Causes of Stained Teeth

Teeth can become stained for various reasons, some of which are preventable, while others may be related to natural aging or medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause of your stained teeth is the first step in determining the best treatment option. Here are some common causes:

1. Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and beverages are known to stain teeth. These include:

• Coffee and tea: Both contain tannins that can cause surface stains on your teeth.
• Red wine: The dark pigments in red wine can cling to the enamel, leaving stains over time.
• Berries: Fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates contain pigments that can stain teeth.
• Curry and soy sauce: Spices and sauces can contribute to discoloration if consumed regularly.

The acid content of these foods and drinks can also weaken enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to staining.

2. Tobacco Use

Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause significant staining of the teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco products are notorious for creating yellow or brown stains, which can be difficult to remove with regular brushing alone.

3. Aging

As you age, the enamel on your teeth naturally begins to thin, which can make the underlying dentin (the yellowish tissue beneath the enamel) more visible. This can lead to an overall yellowing of your teeth. Additionally, years of exposure to staining foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits can accumulate, intensifying the discoloration.

4. Medications

Certain medications can cause staining of the teeth. For example:

• Antibiotics like tetracycline, when used during childhood or pregnancy, can lead to intrinsic stains in the developing teeth.
• Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can sometimes cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of stains.
• Chemotherapy can also cause discoloration of teeth.

5. Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing can result in plaque buildup, which can stain teeth over time. Plaque that’s not removed through proper oral care can harden into tartar, which can also lead to discoloration and may require professional cleaning to remove.

6. Excessive Fluoride

While fluoride is essential for strong teeth, too much fluoride, especially during childhood while the teeth are still developing, can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. This condition can cause white or brown stains to form on the teeth, which may require specialized treatment to address.

7. Trauma or Injury

An injury to the teeth, such as a fall or accident, can cause internal damage to the tooth. This can lead to intrinsic staining, which may appear as dark or discolored spots in the affected tooth.

8. Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to having thicker or more porous enamel, which can make their teeth more susceptible to staining. Enamel thickness can vary, and if the enamel is naturally thinner, it may be easier for the dentin to show through.

How We Diagnose Stained Teeth 

At Oxley Dental, diagnosing the cause of your stained teeth is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Our diagnostic process includes:

1. Comprehensive Examination We’ll start by examining your teeth to identify any visible stains, plaque, or tartar buildup. Our dentist will also check the health of your gums and teeth to ensure that the stains are not related to any underlying dental conditions like cavities or gum disease.
2. Patient History We’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine. Knowing what foods and drinks you consume regularly and whether you smoke or use tobacco products will help us pinpoint the cause of your stained teeth.
3. X-rays If necessary, we may take X-rays to assess the overall health of your teeth, including any potential internal stains caused by trauma or medications. This is especially important in cases of intrinsic staining, where the discoloration originates beneath the enamel.
4. Reviewing Your Oral Hygiene Habits Understanding how well you maintain your oral hygiene routine is key. We’ll discuss your brushing and flossing habits, as well as how often you visit the dentist for professional cleanings.

Treatment Options for Stained Teeth at Oxley Dental

Once we’ve determined the cause of your stained teeth, we can recommend the most effective treatment options. Some of the common treatments for teeth staining include:

1. Professional Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular treatments for extrinsic stains is professional teeth whitening. At Oxley Dental, we offer in-office whitening using safe and effective whitening agents that can lighten your teeth by several shades in just one session. We also offer take-home whitening kits, which allow you to whiten your teeth at your convenience with customized trays and professional-grade whitening gel.

2. Scaling and Polishing

If your stains are caused by plaque or tartar buildup, a professional cleaning may be all that’s needed to restore the brightness of your teeth. During this procedure, we remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and polish them to smooth out the enamel, making it harder for stains to accumulate in the future.

3. Veneers

For intrinsic stains or severe discoloration that doesn’t respond well to whitening treatments, porcelain veneers may be an ideal solution. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of your teeth, covering up stains and improving the overall appearance of your smile. Veneers are durable and can provide a long-lasting solution for discolored teeth.

4. Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is another option for treating stained or discolored teeth. In this procedure, we apply a tooth-colored resin to the affected tooth, shaping it to match the natural contours of your smile. Bonding is a less invasive procedure than veneers and can be completed in one visit.

5. Crowns

If a tooth has significant staining or damage, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, restoring both its appearance and function. Crowns are especially effective for teeth that are deeply stained, weakened, or chipped.

6. Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

In addition to professional treatments, we may recommend making certain changes to your diet and oral hygiene routine. Reducing your consumption of staining foods and drinks, brushing your teeth after meals, and quitting smoking can help prevent further staining. We may also recommend using an electric toothbrush or a whitening toothpaste to help remove surface stains.

Preventing Stained Teeth: Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile

To keep your teeth looking their best and prevent future stains, follow these simple tips:

• Brush after meals: Brushing your teeth after consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth will help prevent discoloration.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to prevent stains and maintain good oral health.
• Limit staining foods and drinks: Reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining substances. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize the effects.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of tooth staining. Quitting can improve both your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
• Regular dental visits: Regular check-ups and cleanings will help keep your teeth free from plaque and tartar, preventing staining and other dental issues.

Get a Brighter Smile Today!