No one wants to have a dull, yellow, or lackluster smile. However, dental discoloration is extremely common. It is a natural process that is nothing to be ashamed of. But that does not mean you simply have to accept the situation. In fact, there are things you can do to address all three types of tooth stains. This blog post explains what those types of stains are and how you can brighten up your smile.
Extrinsic Tooth Stains
Extrinsic stains are those that sit on the surface of the teeth. They can be caused by the consumption of pigmented foods and beverages, as well as the use of tobacco products.
The good news is that extrinsic tooth stains are usually the easiest to address. Very often, they can be reduced via a good oral hygiene routine. Whitening toothpaste, along with a good flossing routine, can help to polish away stains and improve the appearance of your smile.
Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Teeth are porous, so in many cases, the same particles that cause extrinsic tooth stains can sneak below the surface of the teeth and cause discoloration that is trickier to remove.
Fortunately, intrinsic tooth stains are usually easy to get rid of with the help of a dental professional. Top-quality whitening treatments are formulated to penetrate the surface of the enamel and break up pigment molecules below the surface.
Age-Related Discoloration
Have you noticed that many senior citizens have yellow teeth? This problem is caused by a combination of factors. Years of habits like coffee and tea consumption certainly contribute to the discoloration, but more is involved. As time passes, the tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner, which makes it easier to see the second layer of teeth, the dentin. Dentin is naturally yellow and tends to darken with age.
Often, teeth whitening treatments can help older individuals to achieve a brighter smile.
Addressing Stubborn Discoloration
Some dental stains are quite stubborn or do not respond to normal whitening treatments. If that is true in your case, or you simply want longer-lasting results than what you can achieve with a whitening service, you might be a candidate for another cosmetic treatment. For example, dentists sometimes recommend veneers or dental bonding to hide stains. These options can provide years of more radiant, more confident smiles.
Tooth stains are annoying! Regardless of what type of discoloration you are struggling with, your dentist may be able to help you brighten up your look.
Meet the Practice
Dr. George Keanna is a highly experienced cosmetic dentist in Albuquerque who always takes a holistic approach to care. Whether you are concerned about dental stains or simply want to improve your oral and overall wellness, he and our team would be pleased to serve you. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact Natural Dental Services at 505-292-8533.