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.
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What Are The Most Common Types Of Extrinsic Teeth Stains And What Can You Do About It
Many stains on the teeth are extrinsic stains that develop on the outside of the tooth (the enamel), rather than inside the tooth.
Extrinsic stains are often much easier to remove than intrinsic stains, especially with good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings or safe whitening treatments.
The first step to prevent them is understanding what causes them.
1. Coffee Stains
Coffee is a big offender when it comes to stained teeth. It contains tannins, natural compounds that adhere to enamel and cause yellow or brown discoloration over time.
The darker and stronger your coffee is, the more potential it has to stain. Drink a few cups a day and you can dull your smile.
How to minimize staining:
After drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water.
Sip iced coffee from a reusable straw.
Drink it, then brush about half an hour later.
Get regular professional cleaning.
2. Tea-stains
Many are surprised to learn that tea stains teeth even more than coffee. Black tea, especially, has high levels of tannins which bind to enamel.
Herbal teas are usually less likely to stain, but green tea can leave a grayish tinge over time.
Tips to prevent:
Alternate water and tea.
Avoid prolonged sipping throughout the day.
Talk to your dentist about trying a whitening toothpaste.
3. Stains from red wine
Tannins, pigments and acidity in red wine make it one of the toughest drinks on the whiteness of your teeth.
The acid also etches the enamel a little, making it easier for pigments to cling.
Useful habits:
Drink wine with water.
Have cheese or crunchy vegetables with your wine.
Enamel is softening temporarily, so don’t brush immediately after drinking.
4. Tobacco Stains
Smoking and chewing tobacco cause tough yellow, brown or even black stains.
Nicotine itself is colorless, but it reacts with oxygen to turn yellow and easily penetrates the microscopic pores of enamel. Tar also sticks to teeth well.
The longer someone smokes, the darker these stains usually get.
The best solution:
The best way to prevent it is to stop tobacco.
Professional cleaning can assist with surface stains.
If stains are severe, you can do whitening.
5. Soft Drinks, Dark Cola
Dark sodas can stain teeth in two ways.
First, their dark pigments discolour enamel. Second, their high acidity gradually erodes enamel, which makes staining that much easier.
Even sugar-free versions can stain because the coloring and acids are still there.
To minimize staining:
Drinking quickly, not sipping over several hours.
Use a straw.
Then rinsing with water
6. Stains from Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries and pomegranates are high in deeply pigmented chromogens.
Although these fruits are extremely healthy, frequent contact can leave noticeable staining.
The stains are usually superficial, thankfully.
Make your smile brighter by:
After eating berries, rinse.
Later brushing when acidity has subsided.
Then eating crunchy vegetables and fruits.
7. Foods That Are Spicy And Dark-Colored
Foods with strong colors such as turmeric, curry powder, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauces etc. can stain teeth.
Turmeric is well known for staining anything it touches, including your teeth enamel.
Simple precaution:
Drink water with your meals.
Top with crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots.
Brush well everyday.
8. Stains from Bad Oral Hygiene
Sometimes they form just because plaque is not being effectively removed.
Food and drink pigments get trapped in the plaque and over time it darkens. Over time, it can harden into tartar, which is frequently yellow or brown and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Avoid buildup by:
Brush twice a day.
Floss daily.
Routine visits to your dentist for professional cleanings.
9. Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Staining
Chlorhexidine mouthwash is commonly prescribed by dentists for gum disease or following some dental procedures.
It is very effective but prolonged use can cause brown staining of the teeth, fillings and even the tongue.
The staining is cosmetic and can generally be buffed away during a dental cleaning.
Chlorhexidine should be used exactly as your dentist has told you to.
10. Iron Medication and Supplements
Liquid iron supplements can cause dark surface stains, especially if they touch the teeth.
Other medications may also cause external staining, but less often.
Helpful hints:
Dilute liquid supplements with water if necessary.
Use a straw whenever possible.
And rinse well afterwards.
11. Stains from Metals and Minerals
In some cases, the presence of certain minerals or metals can lead to discolored teeth.
Examples would be:
Iron (black or dark brown marks)
Copper (green stains)
Manganese (brown stains)
They tend to occur in people who have been exposed via an occupational setting or some water sources.
They usually have to be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
12. Chromogenic bacteria stains in children
Chromogenic bacteria can cause strange black lines or dots to appear along the gumline in some children.
These stains may look alarming but they are usually not related to poor oral hygiene or tooth decay.
They can be safely removed by your dentist during a routine cleaning, although they may come back from time to time.
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.
You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods and drinks to keep your teeth bright. Instead, try to reduce the amount of time staining substances are on your teeth.
Some of the best habits are:
Twice a day, brush with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Drink lots of water.
Rinse after consuming staining foods and drinks.
Cut down or give up tobacco.
Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.
Only apply whitening treatments under the guidance of a professional.
Closing Thoughts
Extrinsic stains on teeth are very common. These are usually the result of gradual build-up from everyday habits such as drinking coffee, tea or red wine, eating foods with strong colorings, smoking or simply allowing plaque to build up.
The good news is these stains are limited only to the outer enamel, so they are often the easiest types of discoloration to prevent and remove.
Once you know the different causes of extrinsic staining, and you practice good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile looking brighter for longer.
Small daily habits, such as rinsing with water following meals, brushing regularly, and visiting your dentist for routine cleanings, can have a significant impact over time.
