White Spots And Other Dental Stains

Teeth whitening is safe and effective at removing stains from your teeth. There are many causes of tooth stains. Some stains are extrinsic, which means they are on the outside of the tooth and can be whitened by your dentist.

What are dental stains?

Tooth discoloration is a common issue for many people, and there are many reasons your teeth can become stained or discolored over time. Coffee, red wine, soda, and tea can all cause tooth staining. Tobacco use is another common cause of tooth discoloration. Some medications, such as tetracycline, can also cause tooth discoloration. In these cases, the staining can be reversed by a professional teeth whitening treatment. However, if your tooth discoloration is due to a genetic predisposition to tooth color changes, professional whitening treatments may not help all that much. In such cases, porcelain veneers may be a better solution for concealing these teeth imperfections. Contact us today for an appointment!

What causes dental stains?

Food and Beverages – Coffee, tea, wine, dark soda, and berries all contain pigments that can stain the surface of your teeth. Some foods also contain acids that can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining.

• Tobacco Use – Smoking or chewing tobacco can both cause teeth discoloration as well as increase your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
• Aging – As you age, your tooth enamel thins and shows more of the natural yellow color of the dentin underneath. Your tooth enamel can become thinner if you consume acidic foods regularly or expose them to more acid over time. The dentin will absorb these pigments more easily and cause even more discoloration.
• Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions like acid reflux disease, bulimia nervosa, and diabetes can result in discolored teeth. If stomach acid is seeping into your mouth and damaging your enamel, it can also cause discoloration of your teeth.
• Trauma – If you experience any trauma to your mouth, like biting down on hard food or being hit in the face with a baseball, it can cause damage to your teeth and result in discoloration.
• Genetics – Some people may be born with naturally brighter enamel than others. Or they may have thicker enamel which makes them more resistant to damage.
• Medications – Some medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs are a common culprit.
• Poor Oral Hygiene – If you don’t brush and floss regularly, it can lead to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance that can trap food particles and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, this can lead to permanent staining on your teeth.

How are dental stains treated?

Dental stain treatment depends on the severity of the issue. Mild yellowing and minor discoloration can often be addressed through professional teeth cleaning and the use of whitening kits or strips. More significant staining may require porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or teeth bonding.

Our dentist evaluates your teeth and gums to determine the best treatment plan for your unique needs. If your teeth show signs of decay or other damage, these issues must be addressed before cosmetic procedures can be performed.

Some treatments can be completed in one or two visits. Others require several visits to our office over a period of several weeks to complete. Your individual treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:

• Type of dental stains and issues being addressed
• Amount of staining present on your teeth
• The condition of your gums and surrounding tissues
• Overall tooth stability