Most people want to achieve a brighter smile because it impacts their self-confidence. It was found in a study that tooth color was a crucial element that affected a person’s dissatisfaction with the way their smile appears. Teeth discoloration is a common issue that occurs primarily due to lifestyle factors, old age, injury, and taking antibiotic medications.
The good thing is, unlike some other oral issues, teeth stains are treatable. But how they are to be treated depends on their type and causes. To learn more about them, we described each type below.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic teeth stains happen when the dentin develops a grayish, darker, or yellowish tint. The dentin can be found in the middle layer of the teeth surrounding the tooth pulp.
Some common causes behind this type of stain include tooth decay, excessive fluoride use, injury, and genetics. It can also be the effect of taking certain medications like iron supplements and antibiotics. Since it is located within your teeth, it can be impenetrable to certain over-the-counter whitening products.
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic teeth stains are found on the surface of your teeth. This develops when particles like pigmented residue from some colored food and drinks accumulate and turn into a film of bacteria coating your tooth enamel.
Some things that contribute to these stains include regular drinking of tea, coffee, and wine and eating food with tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, it is also caused by constant tobacco use. Since the discoloration is only surface-level, it can be removed with whitening toothpaste and other similar products.
Age-Related Stains
This type of stain is a combination of the causes behind extrinsic and intrinsic stains. As you grow older, your tooth enamel thins out due to constant exposure to acidic food and drinks. When that happens, the dentin, which is located underneath and has a yellowish color, may become more visible on the surface. Additionally, age-related tooth discoloration is often evident among older adults who smoke regularly.
Get in Touch With Teeth Whitening Experts
Teeth stains occur because of many different factors. So, if you want to find a solution for them, you should talk to your dentist immediately to learn which approach is most suitable for you. For professional teeth whitening, choose our team of specialists at Aegis Dental Group or Angola Dental Center. To get details on how you can book an appointment with us, call one of our offices in Angola, Goshen, and Warsaw, IN.