A bright, white smile is something many people strive for, but over time, teeth can lose their sparkle due to staining. Tooth discoloration is common and can be caused by a variety of factors, from food and drink choices to aging and certain medications. The good news? Once you understand the type of stain you’re dealing with, there are effective ways to treat it. Here’s a closer look at the main types of tooth stains and how to remove them.
Extrinsic Stains: Surface Discoloration
Extrinsic stains affect the outer layer of your teeth—the enamel. These are the most common types of stains and are usually caused by foods, drinks, or habits that leave pigments on your teeth over time.
Common causes include:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Dark-colored sodas and berries.
- Smoking or using other tobacco products.
How to remove them:
Extrinsic stains typically respond well to professional cleanings and whitening treatments. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent buildup, but if stains persist, your dentist may recommend an in-office whitening procedure or custom take-home whitening trays. Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste can also help remove minor surface stains, though they may not be strong enough for deeper discoloration.
Intrinsic Stains: Deeper Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic stains occur beneath the enamel, in the inner layer of the tooth called dentin. These stains are often more challenging to remove because they develop inside the tooth, not just on the surface.
Common causes include:
- Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood.
- Excessive fluoride exposure (fluorosis).
- Tooth trauma, which can cause internal bleeding or darkening.
- Aging, as dentin naturally yellows over time.
How to remove them:
Since intrinsic stains don’t respond as well to surface whitening, your dentist may recommend stronger professional treatments. In-office whitening procedures use higher-concentration bleaching agents that can penetrate deeper into the tooth. For severe or stubborn discoloration, cosmetic treatments such as veneers or dental bonding can cover the affected teeth and restore a bright, even color.
Age-Related Stains: A Natural Process
As we age, teeth naturally become darker and more yellow. This is due to a combination of factors—enamel wears thinner over time, allowing more of the yellowish dentin underneath to show through, while years of exposure to staining substances contribute to discoloration.
How to remove them:
Professional whitening can help reverse many age-related stains, restoring a youthful brightness to your smile. For older patients with significant enamel wear, veneers or crowns may provide a longer-lasting and more dramatic improvement.
Preventing Future Stains
While it’s not always possible to prevent all discoloration, a few habits can help keep your smile brighter longer:
- Brush twice daily and floss every day to remove plaque and prevent buildup.
- Rinse your mouth or drink water after consuming staining foods and drinks.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
Tooth stains are a normal part of life, but they don’t have to be permanent. By understanding whether your discoloration is extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related, you and your dentist can choose the best treatment plan to restore your smile’s natural brilliance.
About the Practice
Do you have chips, cracks, discoloration, or gaps in your smile? Would you like to transform your look for a smile you’ll be proud to flash in pictures? At Richland Dental, we can give you a glow-up with an array of cosmetic procedures. Whether it’s veneers, whitening, or some other service, our experienced, compassionate dental team will work with you to give you the results you want! If you’re ready to get your grin on, schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at (972) 200-8006.