Nobody minds having a perfectly white smile. However, our teeth are bound to discolor gradually as a result of numerous factors over time. The foods you eat, cavities, or other issues can lead to discoloration in your teeth. Your dentist can help you get rid of the marks on your teeth, depending on what causes them. There are three types of teeth stains that develop, and we’ll help you learn about them in this post.
The Types of Teeth Stains
Your teeth can develop different types of stains. This is because many internal and external factors can wear your pearly whites and cause discoloration. For instance, you might notice a brown stain on your tooth as a result of different causes.
The three stains that develop on our teeth are:
1. Extrinsic Stains
The outer layer of your tooth, or tooth enamel, is susceptible to external stains. Also known as extrinsic stains, this type of discoloration affects the outer surface of your tooth. This is because dental enamel comes in contact with anything you put in your mouth. Hence, when you consume tooth-staining foods and beverages, they leave a definite mark behind. Gradually, your tooth enamel absorbs some color of these items, resulting in discoloration.
Fortunately, extrinsic stains stay on the surface of the tooth, which means they don’t reach the dentin layer. You can easily whiten your teeth at home. However, nothing will come close to the prominent results of professional teeth whitening.
2. Intrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains affect the enamel layer. But some stains go a little deeper, penetrating the dentin layer of your tooth. Dentin is a much more sensitive tooth layer under enamel, and some factors can discolor it. Moreover, this layer is darker and more yellow in appearance than dentin. Elements like enamel thinning, enamel erosion or poor oral hygiene can expose dentin. Consequently, internal or intrinsic stains form on the dentin layer of your teeth.
Removing intrinsic teeth stains requires more work than extrinsic stains. Hence, you’ll need a product with an active teeth-whitening ingredient, like hydrogen peroxide. Nevertheless, consult your dentist on what to do. The most effective results are shown with teeth whitening performed by a dental professional.
3. Age-Related Stains
Growing up isn’t easy on your overall health. This is why your dental health suffers majorly because of aging. Your body changes as you age. Therefore, your enamel might wear away, and your dentin might appear darker. Exposure to sugar and acid over time, along with other factors like medical conditions, can discolor your tooth.
Among the three types of teeth stains, age-related ones might be out of your control. Moreover, it affects dentin and might require the same treatment as intrinsic stains on teeth to be eliminated.
How to Avoid Teeth Stains?
Teeth stains are bound to occur, especially if you don’t keep up with your oral care. Therefore, maintain these tips to avoid the different types of teeth stains:
1. Using fluoride toothpaste, dedicate two minutes of your day to brushing your teeth. Brush twice; in the morning and at night
2. Floss regularly to avoid stains between your teeth.
3. Drink water or rinse your mouth immediately after consuming tooth-staining items
4. Never skip your regular dental cleanings and examinations.
5. Get professional teeth whitening.
What’s Next?
No matter how many types of teeth stains you have, your dentist can always help you eliminate them. Our Brenham Family Dental team is skilled at enhancing your pearly whites. Schedule an appointment with us at (979) 421-9685. Our dental office is at 2001 South Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833.