Stained teeth are more than just a concern for appearances. People with badly stained teeth, especially stained front teeth, may find themselves shying away from social situations. They may be more hesitant at work to volunteer for presentations or personal interactions, something that can actually hinder their ability to succeed. Stained teeth can hold you back from living the life you want, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You have options.
What are stained teeth?
For people with seemingly naturally shiny, bright teeth, stained teeth may not seem like a big deal. After all, a little toothpaste, maybe a professional cleaning, and they should be fixed, right?
While something this simple fix may work for some patients, for the rest of us, stained teeth may not be so easily fixed. There are two types of teeth stains.
- Intrinsic: Intrinsic stains occur below the surface of the tooth as a result of stain-causing particles burrowing into the tooth enamel itself.
- Extrinsic: This type of stain occurs on the surface of the tooth. These are a build-up of residue that causes the protein covering of the enamel to become discolored.
Extrinsic stains can, over time, become intrinsic as the stain-causing particles work their way through the enamel.
Types of teeth stains
Major causes of both intrinsic and extrinsic teeth stains include:
- Food and drinks: Coffee, black tea, soda, and red wine are all culprits
- Poor oral hygiene: Not removing stain-causing agents causes stains and other oral health issues
- Smoking: This includes stained teeth from smoking and from chewing tobacco
These causes of tooth stains are preventable, but not all causes are. Some patients have teeth that are naturally more yellow, and this may increase with age. Additionally, some medications (e.g., tetracycline) may cause discolored teeth that are not truly classified as staining. The same goes for trauma that causes discoloration (i.e., car accidents or blows to the mouth or jaw).
Intrinsic teeth stains often appear as brown stains on teeth but are sometimes grey, blue, or black. Extrinsic stains are often more yellow, but they can also be brown.
How to clean stained teeth
The best way to clean stained teeth? Prevent them from occurring in the first place! While genetics may not be on your side, you can take steps to keep your smile as bright as possible, starting with good oral hygiene. It is crucial to properly brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once.
Nothing beats the clean, shiny teeth you get at a dentist. Visiting your dentist at least twice yearly for regular cleanings (or as directed) can catch any teeth staining issues before they progress.
Another way to prevent stains is to avoid the food and drink most likely to stain your teeth. If coffee is a must for breakfast and soda is a must at lunchtime, (carefully!) sip them both through a straw. Also, don’t sip at them throughout the day as this increases the amount of contact your teeth have with the substance.
Likewise, when eating staining foods like blueberry pie, rinse your mouth carefully afterwards, and brush your teeth if possible. Avoiding acidic foods like lemon and other citrus can also help prevent badly stained teeth.
How to fix stained teeth
If your teeth have extrinsic stains, it is possible to start your treatment at home with an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit. These kits are relatively effective for minor stains that are not accompanied by other oral health issues. Follow the directions for use exactly, as overuse can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and may damage the tooth enamel if not used correctly.
Just as a professional tooth cleaning is always going to be superior to at-home brushing, nothing compares to professional tooth whitening. Professional tooth whitening uses a stronger solution placed strategically to optimize whitening results. Your dentist uses a bleaching solution in several different ways.
- Professional bleaching: This is the most common professional whitening treatment. A bleaching solution (liquid or gel) is placed in customized trays and held in the mouth for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Laser whitening: Laser whitening uses bleaching solution activated by a laser. This treatment is great for deeper stains on teeth.
- Deep bleaching: For long-term maintenance and severe staining, deep bleaching uses a combination of in-office and at-home treatments. The first treatment happens in office, and then regularly (as directed) at home.
If teeth are stained beyond professional whitening, you still have options in cosmetic veneers or crowns.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells custom fit to your teeth. They are cemented into place with dental cement and essentially cover up badly-stained teeth (especially intrinsic stains).
Dental veneers can also prevent further staining and damage to the teeth and can be used to fill in any gaps or cracks in teeth. The result is an even row of shining, bright teeth.
Dental crowns
A dental crown (made of zirconia, porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination) can conceal deep tooth stains as well as correct for size and shape, creating a more even smile.
Dental crowns are considered a permanent restoration, as natural tooth material is removed to place the crown. This means that the tooth must always be covered with something in order to protect it from damage and decay. If you have tooth stains accompanied by decay or other oral health issues, dental crowns may be the best option for you.
Dental crowns and dental veneers both require two separate dental visits for a fitting and placement.
Don’t let badly stained teeth hold you back from living your life. If you are looking for a Phoenix area cosmetic dentist who can help you correct stained teeth and restore your beautiful smile, give AZ Dentist a call.