Teeth chew through a lot of material over several decades of use, and this frequently exposes them to many chemicals that can leave unsightly stains or accumulations upon their enamel. While you can prevent most discoloration by drinking plenty of water and practicing excellent oral hygiene, some stains may be too tough to remove with dental cleaning methods you can practice at home. Here’s a quick look at a few common causes of dental staining and how your dentist can help.

How Do Dental Stains Form?

Most dental stains are the result of frequent and prolonged exposure to stain-causing foods and beverages. A few common discoloring snacks and drinks include tea, coffee, red wine, cola, berries, candies, and sauces of rich color such as soy and barbeque varieties. These items contain pigments, tannins, and dyes, which are stain-causing chemicals that can be embedded in the enamel. Enamel will be especially vulnerable to discoloration if it has recently been exposed to acid.

Other potential causes of dental stains include age, genetics, metal restorations such as fillings and crowns, and tobacco use.

What Kinds of Dental Discoloration Are There?

Dental discoloration can take several forms such as:

· Extrinsic stains: These are stains located on the surface of the enamel.

· Intrinsic stains: These are stains located beneath the enamel, and they can be harder to remove than extrinsic marks.

· Accumulations: Accumulations of tartar, plaque, or residue left by food or smoking may be visible on your smile.

How Can My Dentist Help?

In many cases, stains can be lifted with a thorough professional dental cleaning. However, your dentist can address stubborn dental stains with safe and effective teeth whitening treatments. These include:

· In-office teeth whitening: This option can safely whiten teeth and lift stubborn stains in about an hour using customized parts and powerful whitening agents.

· Take-home whitening kits: Your dentist can provide you with a specialized kit that includes customized components designed to deliver astounding results. You’ll only need to apply the included whitening gel to the personalized dental trays and wear them over your teeth for an hour daily for about two weeks.

In either case, your teeth will be left up to eight shades whiter.

Don’t let frustrating dental stains make it difficult to smile proudly. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve a brighter grin.

About the Practice

Aesthetic Family Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in Baytown. Led by Dr. Dean V. Hutto, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and sincere compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact the office online or dial (281) 422-8248.