A Closer Look at Different Types of Tooth Stains

Stained teeth are one of the most common reasons to have cosmetic dentistry performed. Even if you’re diligent about brushing every day, unwanted discolored spots can still appear on your enamel for all kinds of reasons. But did you know that dental stains come in different categories? Here’s what you need to know about the three major kinds of tooth stains and how they can be treated.

Extrinsic Stains

An extrinsic stain is a stain that occurs on the outside of your tooth. This type of discoloration is often the result of consuming dark-colored foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, blueberries, and tomato sauce. Additionally, tobacco products are well-known to cause extrinsic staining.

The good news is that compared to other kinds of discoloration, extrinsic stains are often the easiest to get rid of. In fact, it’s sometimes possible to remove them with a routine dental cleaning. Alternatively, you can also ask your dentist about the options they offer for professional teeth whitening.

Intrinsic Stains

Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains occur below the surface of your enamel. There are several possible causes of intrinsic stains, such as specific kinds of medications, overexposure to fluoride, and tooth injury.

The solution for intrinsic staining depends on the cause of the discoloration. Sometimes professional teeth whitening can be a viable option; the bleaching gel used for the treatment can penetrate the enamel and break up stain-causing particles. However, some intrinsic stains do not respond to whitening. In this type of situation, it may be better to cover your teeth with veneers that can hide stains (and other imperfections) from view.

Age-Related Discoloration

As you grow older, you may notice that your smile starts to look darker. This can be the result of multiple factors. Constantly drinking coffee and other dark-colored beverages over the years can ultimately leave your teeth looking duller than you would like. Furthermore, as time passes, the enamel protecting your teeth will start to wear away. This will expose more of the underlying dentin layer, which is yellowish in color.

To figure out the best way to address age-related discoloration, you should talk to your dentist. Oftentimes, they may recommend veneers or cosmetic bonding to cover the discolored areas, leaving your smile looking significantly brighter.

Stains on your teeth can be embarrassing, but fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry offers multiple ways to address the problem. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist to start exploring the options they offer for discolored teeth.

About the Practice

At Wayland Dental, our dentists work with patients of all ages, bringing them the comprehensive care they need in order to enjoy healthy, beautiful teeth. We offer a wide menu of cosmetic dental services that can enhance the appearance of your smile, including teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding. If you’re bothered by discolored teeth, you can schedule an appointment at our practice by visiting our website or calling (508) 651-0500.