Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. According to a study, 88.8% of orthodontists nationwide had patients who sought tooth whitening procedures. In addition, 76.2% of orthodontists had suggested whitening treatments for some patients.
Just like the rest of our bodies, it’s completely natural for teeth to wear down and shine a little less bright as we age. Teeth may stain and darken for many reasons, from biological factors down to the food you eat.
In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of teeth stains, their causes, available treatments, and preventive tips.
What are the types of teeth stains?
Tooth discoloration can result from food consumption, oral decay, injuries, and changes in your tooth material as you age.
There are three main categories of tooth discoloration:
Extrinsic stains
Extrinsic staining occurs on the surface of the tooth, causing a yellow or brown discoloration of the enamel layer. It is often a result of pigmented residue from food and beverages. Tooth decay can also generate surface-level staining and discoloration on the tooth.
Extrinsic tooth stains are caused by different external substances, including:
- Tomatoes
- Tea
- Sodas
- Red wine
- Curries
- Coffee
- Cigarettes and cigars
- Chewing tobacco
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Beets
In some cases, extrinsic staining can be addressed through routine dental cleaning and tooth brushing using whitening toothpaste. Effective oral hygiene habits will help create a smooth enamel surface, preventing common staining agents from causing discoloration.
But if you want to see visible results faster, we recommend getting professional teeth whitening. This can help minimize stains and improve tooth color.
Intrinsic stains
While extrinsic stains originate on the surface of the teeth, intrinsic stains exist on the inner layer of the tooth and are more permanent in nature. This type of discoloration can result from the use of certain medications, oral injury, or overexposure to fluoride.
Intrinsic stains can be brown, yellow, or gray in color. Unlike extrinsic stains, they can be trickier to remove and may not be addressed with teeth whitening alone. They may also require bleaching using chemical teeth-whitening products. Sometimes, they are covered up with dental veneers or dental crowns.
Intrinsic dental stains are caused by the following:
- Injuries to the tooth
- Genetics or family history
- Excessive use of certain antibiotics
- Excessive use of fluoride as a child
- Certain medical conditions
Proper diagnosis will determine the right treatment option for your intrinsic dental stains.
Age-related stains
The enamel that covers your teeth naturally thins as you age, allowing the dentin to show through. Dentin is the core tissue of your teeth which also yellows over time.
These intrinsic causes combined with extrinsic factors like the effects of certain medications, food, beverages, and tobacco, can cause staining in most adults’ teeth.
Staining by color
To effectively remove discoloration, it helps to know the type of stain you’re dealing with.
You can start by checking the color of the stain which can tell a lot about the cause of discoloration.
Green
Green stains commonly appear on children’s teeth. The causes may include:
- Exposure to mercury, nickel, and copper
- Presence of fluorescent bacteria and fungi
- Certain types of blood diseases
Orange
Orange stains are usually found in patients with poor hygiene. Common causes include:
- The presence of chromogenic (photographic) bacteria
- Food buildup
- Improper or infrequent brushing
Yellow
Potential causes of yellow teeth include:
- Beverages like tea, coffee, or red wine
- Poor oral hygiene
- Plaque accumulation
- Chronic dry mouth
- Certain medications
- A diet that’s high in simple sugars
Brown
Brown stains on teeth are common and can result from:
- Excessive tobacco use
- Beverages like tea, coffee, soda, and red wine
- Fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and pomegranates
- Untreated tooth decay
- Heavy bacterial buildup
White
White spots on your teeth can be produced by:
- A cavity that turns darker as it progresses
- Dental fluorosis, occurs when too much fluoride is used
Black
Black spots sometimes appear in the form of a black line on the anterior teeth. They often originate from:
- An advanced dental cavity
- Fillings and crowns that contain silver sulfide
- Liquid iron supplements
- Mouthwashes containing chlorohexidine
How to get rid of tooth stains
The good news is that tooth discoloration can be treated. In fact, there are several teeth whitening products and procedures available that can also prevent future stains.
Over-the-counter whitening products
Whitening dental kits are available in drugstores, supermarkets, and on the internet. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and active ingredients that help scrub off stains and lighten teeth.
Whitening strips bleach off extrinsic stains and penetrate tooth enamel to address intrinsic discoloration. However, they can cause pain and discomfort when used incorrectly. Other potential side effects include damaged braces and erosion of dental fillings.
Whitening toothpaste and strips may help reduce surface stains but are not effective for stains located deep within the tooth.
In-office treatments
Teeth whitening procedures in dental offices are ideal for individuals suffering from severely discolored teeth.
The dentist will use a special gel that contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than most over-the-counter whitening products. The compound penetrates under the enamel layer, providing quick and lasting results. Patients can enjoy whiter teeth for up to five years or more.
The process is fairly quick and easy, with each treatment lasting about an hour. One of the benefits of in-office teeth whitening is that you only have to visit your dentist once or twice to see significant improvements.
At-home treatments through your dentist
At-home options such as custom teeth whitening trays are effective since they are specifically built to fit your teeth. A peroxide-based whitening gel is placed within the trays, whitening the surface and the areas between your teeth. They can be used for up to 14 days straight. Longer than that can damage your enamel. Expect full results after two to four daily applications.
With a custom-fitted teeth whitening tray, you can rest assured that all the affected areas receive sufficient coverage. There is also less risk of the bleaching agent spilling over to your gums and tongue.
Dr. Rod W. Gore, DDS, creates at-home teeth whitening trays with prescription-strength bleaching gels for brighter teeth.
Our custom trays let you whiten your teeth whenever it is convenient. You no longer have to worry about booking bleaching appointments, but you still get the same results that are only available in a dentist’s office.
While custom-fitted trays cost more than over-the-counter products, they are much cheaper than in-office treatments. They are also significantly stronger and more effective than the ones you’ll find at your local supermarket. Achieve instant results instead of waiting to finish an entire tub of whitening toothpaste.
How long does it take to whiten teeth?
The average in-office treatment can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions will depend on the amount of lightening your smile needs.
Whitening strips have to be worn for one to two hours every day for two to three weeks. With whitening toothpaste, results may appear between two to six weeks if used twice a day.
When it comes to teeth whitening, the waiting time will depend on the type and amount of stain.
How long does at-home teeth whitening treatment last?
At-home teeth whitening trays are custom molds of your teeth made from flexible plastic which can last several months. When combined with proper oral hygiene, at-home, dentist-supervised treatments should give you results for a year or longer.
How to prevent tooth discoloration
Here are some ways you can minimize or even prevent tooth stains while maintaining good oral health.
Follow a good dental hygiene routine
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Daily brushing and flossing help remove stains and eliminate tartar, plaque, and food particles that can damage your teeth.
Pay close attention to your diet
As mentioned earlier, bright and dark-colored food and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and certain fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth. Consume them in moderation, and brush your teeth as soon as you can afterward.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums strong is to follow a healthy diet. Fiber-rich foods, leafy vegetables, nuts, yogurts, and cheeses can help strengthen enamel and reduce the likelihood of tooth stains.
Drinking water, especially after eating, can also help displace food particles that lead to discoloration.
Stop smoking
Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all contribute to tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in tobacco smoke can cause yellowing teeth in a very short time.
Simply put, the best way to prevent stained teeth is to avoid tobacco.
Visit your dentist
To keep your teeth in optimal health, schedule a routine dental check-up once every six months. During the dental assessment, your dentist will identify any trouble areas and remove plaque and tartar buildup to prevent staining. They can also recommend additional treatments for tooth discoloration.
Brighten your smile with custom teeth whitening trays
Whiter teeth immediately enhance your appearance and improve your self-confidence. Trusted Scottsdale, AZ, dentist Dr. Gore offers custom-fitted teeth whitening trays to minimize discoloration and help you achieve a healthy and dazzling smile.
Book an appointment now for professional smile makeovers and teeth whitening services.