Stains on teeth are a very common problem that can have its origin in different causes. Depending on their origin, it may simply be an aesthetic issue or the reflection of some kind of health problem.
In this article you will discover that type of tooth stains there is, because each one of them is produced and what are the possible solutions.
Types of Stains on the Teeth according to their Origin
Stains They are mainly classified into two types, although within each one there may be differences depending on the color and the reasons that have caused them. We are going to see what they are and then we will see in more detail the possible causes, how to prevent them, and treatments for each.
It may interest you: White stains on your teeth
Surface Stains
As its name suggests, usually appear on the surface of the teeth or between teeth. These spots, generally white or dark brown, are the most common and usually appear by poor eating habits and / or dental hygiene. This type of stain responds well to regular dental cleaning and brushing with whitening toothpaste.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are part of the structure of the teeth and they are the least common. We can also find them in various shades, white, brown or even gray. They form from inside the tooth on the enamel surface and usually appear in the form of lines. The excessive use of fluoride has also been associated with this type of problem, especially in children
Causes of Tooth Stains
As we told you at the beginning, there are several causes that can cause the appearance of stains on the teeth:
1.- Incomplete Oral Hygiene
As in many others oral problems, poor oral hygiene, alone or in combination with other factors, is the main cause of the appearance of stains on the teeth.
2.- Eating habits
If your teeth are stained yellow, it may be due to foods that cause stains or contain acids that affect enamel. Rinsing your mouth with water after using these substances will help minimize the damage caused:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Curry
- Tomato sauces
- Berries
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Beet
- Carbonated drinks
- Citrus and juices
- Sports drinks
- Sugary foods
- Artificial sweeteners
- White wine and other alcoholic beverages.
3.- Tobacco
Smoking makes your teeth turn yellow or even blackish due to tar, nicotine, and other chemicals in smoke. These seep into the pores of the tooth enamel, dirtying its natural color. A 2005 study found that 28% of smokers had moderate to severe levels of tooth discoloration, compared to 15% of non-smokers.
4.- Aging
It is natural for teeth to become yellow as one ages. This is because the protective enamel layer becomes thinner, showing more of the yellow dentin underneath.
5.- Genetic Motives
Genetic variations can affect tooth color and enamel porosity, and the more porous enamel is more prone to staining. If you've had yellow teeth your whole life, your parents may be to blame.
6.- Drugs
Some antibiotics such as tetracycline and amoxicillin they can affect tooth color, especially in young children. The medications prescribed for adults for allergies and high blood pressure they can also have this side effect. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer they may also find that their teeth turn brown.
7.- Diseases
Certain diseases, particularly those that affect the liver, they can result in discolored teeth.
8.- Blows or Bruxism
For example, the damage caused by a fall It can disturb the formation of enamel in young children whose teeth are still developing. Equally a trauma can also cause discoloration of adult teeth. Like the blows, the grinding of teeth It can cause alterations that lead to tooth discoloration or staining.
How to Remove Stains on Teeth
Treatment options to remove stains and whiten teeth They vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and may include:
Home teeth whitening
Among the home treatments for teeth whitening we can find:
1.- Whitening toothpaste
In the market there are toothpastes with bleaching agents that help reduce tooth stains. The efficacy of these products is disputed, although it is a method that we can try in our own home in mild cases.
2.- Waterpik Dental Irrigator
The leading company in oral hygiene has recently released oral irrigators that incorporate a bleaching agent to restore the shine of our teeth. Depending on the brand, some teeth are obtained 25% whiter than with traditional brushing methods.
Discover it here: Waterpik Dental Irrigator
3.- Home whitening treatment
In the market we can also find different treatments from whitening substances or even with the use of light. Before using any of these methods, we recommend that you inform yourself well, since sometimes the remedy can be worse than the disease.
Given the current obsession for a perfect smile, many companies take advantage by putting on the market products of doubtful effectiveness and with possible adverse effects. These are the most valued by users:
4.- Other Home Remedies
On the internet we can find countless articles with assumptions Home Remedies effective against tooth stains. On dentalirrigator.pro we always advise you consult with your dentist about these treatmentsas they could be harmful to enamel, gums, or other parts of the oral cavity. The best known home remedies that we refer to are:
- Brushed with Sodium Bicarbonate
- Use hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide
- Using Apple Cider Vinegar
- Activated Carbon
- Kaolin clay
- Fruit peels
Dental cleaning
Is faster and easier method to remove stains caused by the accumulation of Dental plaque that has resulted in tartar. It is a procedure of mechanical scraping normally performed by a dental hygienist.
Professional Whitening
El professional teeth whitening is based on the action of a chemical agent, usually combined with photoactivation, which allows to obtain whiter shades of the teeth. This aesthetic treatment results quite effective and safe, provided it is done correctly.
Veneer Placement
There are cases in which the stains cannot be removed and we will have to opt for veneers. Dental veneers are nothing more than porcelain or resin pieces that are placed on the tooth, hiding the stains or defects of the tooth.
How to Prevent Dental Stains
Not all tooth stains can be avoided, but once again the correct oral hygiene and our eating habits to prevent the most common.
It is essential use the toothbrush daily in a correct way and complement it with the use of dental floss or oral irrigator. It is also recommended reduce the consumption of harmful foods or substances, as well as carry out a mouthwash with water after consumption.
In addition, as a preventive method against this and other problems, it is recommended to go to the dentist to perform reviews at least every six months.
