For many people, the appearance of their teeth can make or break their self-esteem. Crooked, chipped, or stained teeth are seen as undesirable. For people with these issues, smiling or even talking can be embarrassing. Most people want these problems fixed, they just don’t know how to go about approaching someone for help when it is a source of insecurity. If you are suffering with stained teeth, this article was written for you.

So, let’s talk about tooth stains. Since they are such a humiliation for some, knowing what causes these stains, how to classify them, and how you can get rid of them could change your whole life. If smiling makes you sad, getting to the root cause of the issue and addressing it will have you beaming again in no time.

What Causes Teeth Staining?

There are several things that can cause your teeth to become stained. Some are in your control and some are not. Either way, you should take note of which pertain to your life and tell your trusted dentist when you bring up your concerns. So what causes teeth staining?

Your diet

Certain foods and drinks that you ingest can cause your teeth to become stained. The most common are dark sodas, tea, coffee, and red wine. However, a few fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of staining as well. These include berries (pomegranates, grapes, etc.) and beets. Usually, these will turn your teeth yellow, brown, or slightly red depending on the food eaten.

Tobacco usage

Over time and with repeated tobacco use, your teeth will turn dark yellow and progress to a murky brown.

Poor hygiene

When your dentist tells you to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss, you should listen. Although the process can be tedious, the benefits outweigh your five minutes of boredom. If cavities weren’t enough to scare you away from skipping your dental routine, consider the fact that your teeth will give away your secret when they lose their healthy white shine in exchange for a coat of yellow.

Disease

Certain diseases and other biological factors lead to staining, especially if your health issues prevented your tooth enamel from developing properly as a child.

Medicine and other medical treatments

Though this isn’t quite as common as other issues are, some medications and medical treatments can cause your teeth to become stained. These include chemotherapy, some antipsychotic medicines, blood pressure medicines, and antihistamines.

Are There Different Types of Teeth Stains?

The simple answer is yes. There are 3 different types of teeth stains that occur – extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related stains. The type of stains that you have will determine what caused them and what can be done about them.

• Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of your teeth. These often are a result of your dietary choices and tobacco usage. The good news is that extrinsic staining is usually easy to get rid of. The appearance of these stains can be diminished with regular dental cleanings and good hygiene practices. You’ll also need to cut the habit of smoking and drinking coffee if you don’t want those stains to come back.
• Intrinsic stains go below the surface of your teeth, which unfortunately makes them a bit more difficult to get rid of. Excessive fluoride use and treatments have been known to cause intrinsic staining in the past, especially in cases where children are involved. While these stains can be removed still, it’ll be a bit trickier.
• Age-related staining is inevitable. Over the years, the dentin in your teeth yellows. While it may not show at first, the natural diminishing of the enamel coating allows the dentin to show through eventually. It is inevitable; not much can be done about it aside from delaying the effects by lessening the chances of intrinsic and extrinsic staining.

How do you know if your teeth are really stained?

If you look in the mirror and notice that your teeth are an odd color, don’t panic just yet. Your teeth may not actually be stained. Foods that you eat may discolor them for a couple of days and then fade as you brush your teeth properly. If the stains do not disappear, however, it may be time to see a dentist about your options.

How to Deal With Stained Teeth

If the stains on your teeth don’t just go away when you brush, you should consider seeing a dentist. DIY methods can be ineffectual and dangerous for your dental health. Consult a professional before you look on the web for answers.

If you need a dentist who can help, give Dental Group of Simi Valley a call. We guarantee that you will be given the best care available. If you’re in the Simi Valley, CA area and you want to get your confidence back, call us or make an appointment today.