Tooth discolouration is caused by persistent stains that accumulate on teeth, replacing your pearly whites with a darker shade of colour on your teeth.
Naturally, teeth stains can make you feel self-conscious about flashing your smile in public because it can naturally damage your smiling confidence. One of the causes of discolouration is ageing. However, it has more to do with how you care for your teeth and the lifestyle you live to keep them clean and bright.
What Are The Types Of Teeth Stains?
Teeth stains are typically broken down into three categories:
- Extrinsic Stains – Extrinsic stains are when the tooth’s outer surface becomes stained. The particles form when dark meals and liquids are consumed, and they coat the tooth enamel. Any liquid that isn’t water or a light drink is terrible for your teeth. Without treatment from a dentist, the shadow on the teeth darkens and becomes tough to remove.
- Intrinsic Stains – Intrinsic Stains are stains that form beneath the tooth’s surface. Within the tooth enamel, particles develop and aggregate. When stains appear in the enamel, a procedure like professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to get rid of them.
- Stains Caused by Ageing — Intrinsic and extrinsic factors combine to cause teeth stains. The underlying dentin eventually loses its colour and turns yellow. As we become older, our teeth tend to thin out, exposing the dentin when we smile. Teeth become discoloured because of a mixture of improper eating habits, harmful beverages, and smoking.
What Are The Causes Of Teeth Stains?
There are many causes of teeth stains that typically stem from your lifestyle habits:
- Food and Drink – Dark solids and liquids contain tannins that naturally cause teeth stains. Food and drink such as coffee, dark sodas, wine, meat, and fruits contain staining properties to build tooth discolouration.
- Inadequate Brushing and Flossing — If you don’t brush and floss your teeth properly, the bacteria inside the mouth stemming from food and drink will accumulate, leading to tooth decay and staining. Your mouth must be kept clean even after a meal. Brushes your teeth twice a day.
- Tobacco and Smoking — Tobacco and smoking can cause something known as tobacco stains, which are yellow and brown in colour. These stains will cause your enamel to weaken, and the stains will penetrate deep inside it and the underlying dentin, making your teeth dark.
- Disease or Illness – Discoloration is caused by any disease or illness that damages the enamel. Trauma from a physical accident might also be a contributing factor.
- Aging – Discoloration is a common side effect of growing older. The enamel naturally becomes worn out as we age, and the yellow dentin present beneath the tooth surface becomes exposed to staining more quicker.
How Can I Reduce Teeth Stains?
Teeth stains are not permanent if you seek dental treatment. Professional dental cleanings (amongst other treatments) are recommended to begin breaking down those stains to uncover the whiteness in your smile.
Between professional dental cleanings, here are some additional tips:
- Rinse your mouth after every meal so that food debris remaining in the mouth can be washed away
- Brush and floss your teeth, especially at night, so you can go to sleep with a clean mouth
- Consult your dentist on using teeth whitening toothpaste to brush your teeth with
- Drink water regularly to make your enamel more stain-resistant. Reduce sugar content from acidic drinks and sodas
- Halt smoking altogether as the tobacco stains teeth easily
- Visit the dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings
Can I Have Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Professional teeth whitening, also known as bleaching, is an effective way to brighten the shine of your teeth. It is the simplest and most efficient way to whiten teeth. The bleaching substance employed breaks the molecules generated by teeth staining by opening the pores in the enamel. The primary whitening agent, hydrogen peroxide, breaks down the molecules created into smaller pieces, allowing for brighter teeth.
