If your smile isn’t as bright as it used to be, you don’t have to accept defeat. Tooth discoloration is incredibly common, but treatments like teeth whitening can help restore your grin’s natural glow. However, understanding what kind of stains you have is a necessary first step toward getting rid of them. Continue reading to learn about different types of tooth stains and find the best ways to treat them.
Extrinsic Stains
These are the most common stains and appear on the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). They’re usually caused by food, drinks, or lifestyle habits. Common culprits include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Tobacco use
- Certain berries or sauces
Since extrinsic stains are the least invasive to treat, they respond well to procedures like professional teeth whitening, whitening toothpaste, and even a simple cleaning and polishing at your dentist. If it’s been at least six months since your last appointment, scheduling a checkup isn’t a bad idea anyway!
Intrinsic Stains
These stains develop deeper inside your teeth for many reasons, many of which are beyond your control. Examples include:
- Injuries to a tooth
- Certain antibiotics like tetracycline
- Overexposure to fluoride during childhood
- Genetic differences that affect the color of your enamel and dentin
- Natural ageing that thins your enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath
In-office whitening with stronger agents can often help lighten or eliminate this type of discoloration. However, other cosmetic dental procedures like direct bonding or veneers can also work wonders.
How to Keep Your Smile Sparkling
After your cosmetic treatment, whether it’s teeth whitening, veneers, direct bonding, or other restorations, it’s important to step up your oral care to keep your results. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse with water after staining foods and drinks
- Drink dark liquids through a straw
- Avoiding tobacco products and vaping
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings
You don’t have to live with a smile that makes you feel self-conscious. Whether your stains are surface-level or deeper inside the tooth, there are solutions that can help you love your smile again. A quick visit to the dentist is all it takes to start your path to a brighter, healthier look.
About the Author
Dr. Ira Newman is an experienced cosmetic dentist who takes pride in helping patients remove stains and restore confidence in their smiles. He earned his dental degree from Emory University and completed a residency at NYU College of Dentistry/Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Newman is a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. Call (212) 924-6890 to schedule a whitening consultation at Gramercy Dental Studio or visit our website to learn more.
