Do you wish you had whiter teeth? Teeth discolouration can be a major source of concern for many people, but there are many things we can do to reduce staining and get a brighter smile. The first step is knowing what causes teeth staining and the best treatment options.
Types of Tooth Discolouration
When we think of staining, we’re usually thinking about tooth discolouration. Discolouration of the teeth is the result of surface stains, and dentists have found three main types of this discolouration.
- Extrinsic tooth staining
This is staining on the surface of the teeth. When particles of food or drink build up, they create a film of protein that covers the enamel. This causes the tooth to take on a yellowish tone. The most common culprits of extrinsic stains are tobacco, coffee, tea, wine, or cola drinks. Luckily, this type of staining responds well to regular cleaning.
- Intrinsic tooth staining
This is a type of stain below the surface of the tooth. When particles make their way through the surface of the tooth and build up within the enamel, you get intrinsic staining. Although intrinsic stains are harder to remove, it can be done with professional chemical bleaching.
- Age-related tooth staining
Our teeth naturally become more stained with age. This is a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discolouration since the dentin in our teeth naturally yellows over time. What’s more, our enamel naturally becomes thinner with age, leaving us more susceptible to discolouration.
Top Causes of Teeth Staining
Certain foods and drinks are common causes of tooth staining, but there are other causes to watch out for.
- Drinks: coffee, tea, cola drinks, red wine
- Foods: dark leafy vegetables, high citrus fruits
- Tobacco: cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause significant discolouration.
- Poor dental hygiene: inadequate brushing or flossing can lead to discolouration
- Disease: there are many diseases that cause discolouration in teeth. And treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy have been shown to cause discolouration.
- Genetics: some people have naturally thicker, brighter enamel than others, giving them the appearance of whiter teeth.
How to remove teeth staining
It’s important to know the type of staining you have to get the best corrective treatment. If your teeth are becoming discoloured from overconsumption of dark drinks such as coffee or cola, cutting back on these or using a straw will help minimise the effects. Booking an appointment to get your teeth professionally cleaned will also help remove that build up on the enamel. On the other hand, you may need professional whitening to get the best results.
Get professional advice today
If you’d like professional advice on how to remove discolouration or staining from your teeth, book an appointment with us today. We can assess your teeth and what you’re struggling with and then give you advice on the best course of treatment to get the beautiful smile you’re dreaming of.
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