Do you think the color of your teeth has changed over the years? Are they looking yellow and dull? If so, you might be dealing with teeth staining.
The color and brightness of teeth can alter over the years, depending on a variety of factors, from lifestyle choices to natural aging, causing an unattractive appearance and greatly affecting the confidence of your smile. The stains may also be of intrinsic (within the tooth) or extrinsic (on the surface) nature.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
Schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. JD Desai, to evaluate the possible reasons and discuss options to enhance your smile. Here are the main reasons for teeth staining and how to address them:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Inefficient or inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause teeth to appear yellow or stained.
2. Food and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries (blueberries or blackberries), curries, etc, can cause staining due to their natural pigments or acidity, which can wear out the top layer (enamel), making teeth more prone to discoloration.
3. Smoking: Prolonged use of tobacco products can lead to yellow or brown stains on the teeth, which can be difficult to remove as, over time, they become intrinsic stains.
4. Aging: As we age, enamel naturally thins down due to the regular wear and tear process, and the dentin (the yellowish layer underneath the enamel) becomes more visible, making the teeth appear yellowish.
5. Dental Trauma: Accidents or injuries to the teeth can cause them to darken or stain, especially if the tooth has been visibly damaged.
6. Fluorosis: Fluorosis occurs when the milk teeth and or developing permanent teeth are exposed to too much fluoride in the water during childhood, which can cause white spots, brown spots or streaks on teeth.
7. Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics like tetracycline and antihistamines, can cause tooth discoloration, especially if taken during childhood while the teeth are still developing.
8. Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to have teeth that are more susceptible to staining or discoloration due to the nature, thickness and color of their enamel.
How To Remedy Tooth Stains:
-Maintain good personal hygiene practices: Following proper oral hygiene methods, especially after consuming staining foods or drinks. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove lingering food particles.
-Limit staining foods and drinks: Reduce consumption of highly staining foods and drinks, or drink them through a straw to limit contact with your teeth.
-Quit smoking or using tobacco: The best way to prevent staining is to quit smoking and using tobacco products.
-Professional cleaning: Regular dental cleanings by your dentist can help remove surface stains, plaque and tartar buildup.
–Whitening treatments: Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels that can be used at home, or professional whitening treatments that are done in-office (and are more powerful and long-lasting), can help lighten teeth stains.
-Consider dental veneers: For more severe cases of staining, dental veneers can provide a longer-lasting solution by covering the stained teeth with a layer of ceramic or porcelain. In cases where staining is due to fluorosis, medications or genetics, veneers offer a great cosmetic solution.
-See your dentist: If your teeth have been injured or traumatized, visit your dentist for an evaluation. Treatments like root canal therapy, dental crowns or bonding can help restore the appearance of your teeth.
Our team here at Lavista Park Family Dentistry provides a high standard of dental care and strives to satisfy your dental needs.
Call Today!
Call us today at 770-939-5122 to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Tucker, GA, Dr. JD Desai at Lavista Park Family Dentistry, your trusted neighborhood dentist serving the population around Metro Atlanta. Come and experience why we are the top-rated and highly reviewed dentist and dental office in your area!