A beautiful smile is the first thing we notice in another person. So much, so that whitening products are very much sought after. Teeth stains are a common occurrence, especially if we’re big coffee or cola lovers. Smoking or chewing tobacco is another possible offender. However, teeth stains can have multiple causes, and by identifying the problem, you can act accordingly. It’s important not to let the problem persist, or it might become a more serious issue.
Main Types of Extrinsic Teeth Stains
- As a result of certain food and beverages: Extrinsic teeth stains refer to the staining of the hard surface of the tooth, the enamel when it comes in contact with certain drinks and food. The staining occurs over time as the teeth absorb the pigments. Yellow stains or brown spot may appear on the teeth, depending on the cause.
- Poor oral hygiene: A poor oral hygiene may lead to the formation of bacteria that cause dental plaque or tooth decay, where the teeth lose their luster from all the residue that was not properly cleaned.
- Age-related: A combination of extrinsic and intrinsic staining can occur with old age. The dentin gets darker as you age and the enamel thinner so your teeth may appear darker than they are. The discoloration occurs simply because of age and not through a fault of your own.
How to Remove Teeth Stains
- Homemade remedies: For superficial teeth stains you can use solutions with baking soda, lemon, or charcoal.
- Teeth Whitening Products: There are many teeth whitening products designed specially to remove stains. Gently brush the teeth with the product and scrub away the stains. These products are meant to remove almost 90% of the teeth stains in 14 days.
- Professional cleaning: Going to a professional should not be a problem as the process is not painful. The dentist can polish your teeth with an abrasive powder in a single session. However, this should not become a habit as repeated use of abrasives will remove the enamel.
- Bleaching: Bleaching or tooth whitening, is a very safe and easy process that can be done both at home and by a professional. After a consultation, the dentist may recommend a solution and a custom-made mouthguard for you to use at home. A carbamide peroxide solution is applied onto the mouthguard and used daily for 2 to 6 weeks. Make sure the bleaching kit is approved by the American Dental Association before usage.
Prevention
Of course, you can prevent teeth staining by removing the drinks and beverages that produce it from your diet. Or make sure you brush your teeth immediately after consuming them or rinse your mouth with water. Maintaining your oral hygiene can help significantly in reducing the surface stains. While extrinsic teeth stains are mainly cosmetic, try not to ignore the issue for too long.
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