There are aesthetic issues in our mouths, such as stains on the teeth. In some cases, it may be a warning sign of a more serious condition than it appears, so we should take a look to detect any problems with our teeth in time.
Not all stains are the same. Some are easy to treat, making them disappear quickly. However, others require more serious procedures. But don’t worry if you have stains on your teeth, keep reading as we’ll explore the causes, types, and how to prevent them.
What Types of Tooth Stains Exist?
When talking about tooth stains, we can classify them from the most superficial to the most intermediate or the deepest. Not forgetting those that are not only an aesthetic problem but also warn us of a more serious disease.
It may seem that depending on the intensity of the color of the stain, we can identify the type of stain. Let’s see.
White Stains on Teeth:
These stains can warn us of a cavity problem. Yes, cavities start as a white spot, a symptom of enamel demineralization by bacteria, and then become a black hole in the teeth, as you may have seen in your mouth at some point.
Yellow Stains on Teeth:
Yellow teeth can be synonymous with several things:
- Either from a dietary style. Consumption of coffee, tea, wine, cola drinks, or smoking causes yellow stains on teeth. Even fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, pomegranates, or cherries can also stain teeth.
- Or that your teeth lack vitality. Whether from a blow or from having undergone a root canal, if you have lost the nerve of a tooth, or several, it will turn to a more subdued color.
Brown Stains on Teeth:
Why can teeth turn brown?
- Due to tetracyclines. Stains caused by tetracyclines, an antibiotic widely used in the 1960s and 1970s in Spain, cause discoloration in teeth ranging from yellow-brown to gray.
- Incisor-molar hypomineralization (MIH) is a type of stain that ranges from white to yellow and reaches brown, its cause is not known, but its symptoms are high sensitivity in the affected tooth and rapid enamel destruction.
- Poor dental hygiene is the main cause of stains on teeth; plaque starts as light yellow and turns orange to brown when it has turned into tartar. The good news about this type of stain is that you have the solution in your hands.
Why Do I Have Stains on My Teeth?
As mentioned earlier, the causes can be varied. As a general rule, stains that may appear on your teeth are caused by external factors, such as the lifestyle habits you have (smoking, poor hygiene, consumption of stain-causing foods like coffee). Although they can be a symptom of something more serious.
It is advisable that if your teeth show any sign of staining, you should see a professional for a personal assessment and to propose an appropriate and personal solution.
How Can I Remove Stains from My Teeth?
The most effective way to remove tooth stains is to address the cause of the problem. It is not recommended to apply quick solutions or miracle remedies that we may find on the internet, as we could harm oral health.
It is true that everyone likes to have extremely white teeth, especially because it gives us a livelier smile that catches attention. A smile with stained teeth can make us
feel uncomfortable.
Let’s see possible treatments for tooth stains.
Professional Hygiene
This is the best solution for removing superficial stains on your teeth. It is a professional dental hygiene performed by a hygienist that will not harm your enamel.
During the check-up, the professional will give you a personalized assessment, apply the cleaning, and give you instructions to improve your daily habits.
Tooth Whitening
This option is indicated for cases where professional hygiene is not enough.
Professional tooth whitening is done with a gel that oxidizes stains from the inside, acting on the dentin (the inner part that covers the enamel). This process is not harmful.
It always proceeds after a complete cleaning and gradually acts, delving into the stains.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are porcelain sheets placed on the patient’s teeth, modifying their color and shape. The placement of these is done with minimal invasion of the patient’s teeth, seeking not to wear down the original pieces.
Care and Prevention
As with all aspects of our health, diet is the key to prevention and care. We should have a diet rich in minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium from a young age.
Also, maintain good daily dental hygiene. Especially after consuming foods that we know can stain our teeth. For this, brush your teeth properly and use dental floss or other devices that help with cleaning.
And lastly, even if it seems that your teeth are healthy, you should visit your dentist at least once a year for a mouth check-up and assessment of your teeth. You know the saying: prevention is better than cure.
For any inquiries about your oral health, the professional team at Antonio Liñares clinic is at your disposal.
- Our email: info@antoniolinares.com
- By phone: 881 968 034
- Or by visiting our clinic: San Andrés 90, A Coruña.