Even if you brush daily, stains may make an appearance. While sometimes a simple professional teeth whitening is enough to get rid of tooth discoloration, the marks might be too stubborn in other instances. So, to determine how to get rid of the specks, it is important to be familiar with the types of stains on teeth. Generally, stains are divided into three basic categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. In this blog, we will delve deeper into this topic and help you know what the different types of tooth discoloration are.
Common Types of Stains on Teeth
Stains on teeth are not uncommon, and you may have noticed a spot once in your lifetime. The discoloration could be external, which is easier to remove. Then, there are internal stains, which indicate that the inner layer of the tooth is discolored. We also have age-related stains, which is the staining on teeth that appear over time. Below, we will discuss the different types of stains on teeth in detail.
- Extrinsic Stains
Factors such as foods, drinks, smoking, and more adhere to the surface of your teeth, and if you do not have proper oral hygiene, they may even stain the enamel. Moreover, they could be green, orange, brown, yellow, or black in color. Here is what the color may mean:- Green & Orange: Poor oral hygiene and presence of certain chromogenic bacteria.
- Brown: Tobacco, foods, beverages, and other causes.
- Yellow: Plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene.
- Black: Less common, could signify the presence of iron in saliva.
- Intrinsic Stains
Stubborn stains may be present on dentin, the tooth layer under the enamel. Dental fluorosis, demineralization, and other factors can cause these stains. Here are the reasons these types of stains appear on teeth:- Excessive fluoride indigestion when the enamel is developing.
- Hypocalcification, or high fever, during the formation of enamel.
- Demineralization is when the enamel undergoes acid erosion.
- Tetracycline ingestion during tooth development may cause brown or gray discoloration.
- Age-Related
It is only natural for your body to change as you grow older. Your teeth, too, alter, and you will probably notice a thin enamel and darker dentin over the years. A thin enamel paired with dark dentin is, unfortunately, a duo that will cause discoloration. And you may not be able to control the discoloration, even if you’re diligent with your oral care.
How to Remove Different Types of Stains on Teeth
Depending on the cause, the following can help remove the stains on your teeth:
- For extrinsic stains, at-home whitening might be pretty effective. Furthermore, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash may remove the marks too.
- Tooth whitening gels
- Teeth whitening strips
- Whitening pens
- Professional teeth whitening
Final Word
There are three types of stains on teeth you may notice: age-related, intrinsic, and extrinsic. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best treatment based on your discoloration. Dial (281) 256-3222 to talk to the experts at Spring Cypress Dental, or give us a visit at 17330 Spring Cypress Rd. STE+ 115 Cypress, TX 77429.