Catching your reflection in the mirror or in that picture to realise your teeth are stained is not a great feeling.
It’s annoying and embarrassing. On top of that, it also makes you feel self-conscious about your smile. In other words, you’ll smile with your lips closed from that point on.
You’ll start holding back your laughter.
Covering your mouth when laughing and talking.
Thinking twice about every single action.
That’s no way to live.
The good news is that tooth stains are common. Even better news? You can get rid of tooth stains safely and effectively (when you do it the right way). That is, with the help of a dental professional.
What are Teeth Stains?
Simply said, teeth stains are a change in the colour of your teeth.
Sometimes that change happens on the surface. Other times, it happens within the tooth structure itself.
The result? Teeth that look yellow, brown or even black.
Some of these stains are mild and may go away with proper cleaning. Others can be more stubborn. These stains are deeper and will require professional cleaning or treatment.
In general, there are two main types of tooth stains:
Extrinsic Stains
These stains are very common. And they are also the easiest to get rid of. Extrinsic stains are caused by pigments from foods and drinks, smoking and plaque and tartar buildup.
Some foods and drinks that are most likely to stain your teeth include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Fruit juices
- Curry
- Berries
- Tomato-based sauces
Since these stains only affect the outer layer of your tooth (the enamel), it improves with a professional cleaning and polishing.
In many cases, a thorough dental cleaning is enough to brighten your smile noticeably, without resorting to whitening or invasive treatments.
Intrinsic Stains
Now, these stains are a different story.
They occur within the tooth structure itself. What does it mean? Brushing harder or switching to a whitening toothpaste just won’t work.
These stains are often caused by factors like:
- Ageing
- Trauma to the tooth
- Certain medications
In such cases, you will have to resort to treatment options that involve teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers or dental crowns. While intrinsic stains are a little challenging to get rid of, it’s not impossible. They can be improved with the right treatment.
Are Teeth Stains Permanent?
Nope, not always.
In fact, many stains are temporary – especially those caused by everyday factors like food, drinks and plaque or tartar buildup. These stains go away with professional care and consistent oral hygiene practices at home.
That said, however, all discolouration doesn’t go away entirely.
In some cases, tooth stains can be harder to get rid of. The fix is to lighten these stains as much as possible with professional whitening. If whitening alone isn’t sufficient, we will resort to options such as dental bonding, veneers or crowns.
How To Get Rid of Tooth Stains?
The process of removing tooth stains begins with one simple yet important question – is the stain on the surface or within the tooth?
Depending on the answer to this question, we will determine whether a professional cleaning is enough or if you’ll need whitening or other treatments.
Here are the most common treatment methods to get rid of teeth stains:
Professional Dental Cleaning
For some, this is the only step that’s needed.
If you have stained teeth, a professional dental cleaning is almost always the best first step. During your appointment, our dentist will gently remove plaque, hardened tartar and surface stains that won’t go away with brushing or flossing.
Then, the enamel is polished to smooth the surface and prevent future stains from sticking easily. It also makes your teeth look brighter, with many patients noticing a visible difference after just one cleaning.
Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Chair & Take-Home)
For deeper stains that go beyond the surface, whitening may be the best choice.
From in-chair whitening to take-home kits, professional teeth whitening helps lighten discolouration and brighten your teeth safely and effectively.
While in-chair whitening offers faster results, take-home kits allow you to whiten your teeth gradually at your convenience.
Solutions for Deep Stains (Veneers & Crowns)
In the case of intrinsic stains, cosmetic dental treatments such as dental veneers or crowns are highly recommended.
These treatments help mask discolouration altogether while also improving the strength, shape and overall appearance of your teeth.
So, Which Stain Removal Option is Right for You?
Determining the safest and most effective teeth stain removal option begins with a professional assessment.
When you visit our clinic for an appointment, we will look at:
- The type of stain (intrinsic or extrinsic)
- The severity of discolouration
- The location (whether staining appears near the gumline, between teeth or on back teeth)
- Contributing factors such as diet, smoking and braces
How to Prevent Stains on Teeth?
If you want to prevent teeth stains in the first place, incorporating oral hygiene practices into your daily routine is a MUST! These daily habits, paired with regular professional cleaning can help make a big difference in the appearance of your smile.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and proper technique
- Floss daily to clean between your teeth and remove plaque
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee or tea
- Use a straw when drinking dark drinks to limit direct contact with your front teeth
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after having acidic food or drinks
- Avoid smoking and vaping
- Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water
- If you are wearing braces, use interdental brushes around brackets and wires and brush carefully along the edges of brackets and gumline.
The best way to get rid of tooth stains depends on the type of stain. When you visit us at Ashgrove Dental, we will assess your teeth and create a personalised plan to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile and good oral health.
Book your consultation with us today!
