No one likes to look in the mirror anymore because of the stained teeth. Yellow, discoloured teeth become the reason for self-doubt and lower self-esteem. Most people might get rid of stained teeth at some point but almost everyone looks for solutions for their stained teeth for a long time.
Removal of stains from teeth can depend on your stain type. You need to understand the reason behind the stained teeth because only when you know the suitable teeth whitening solutions. There are many whitening options available and you can get the most suitable one for yourself.
Types Of Teeth Stains: The Three Main Types You Should Know
Stains mainly fall into one of three categories based on where they occur on the tooth and how they come into form. The three main types we will discuss are extrinsic, intrinsic and age-related stains.
1. Extrinsic Tooth Stains
The stain on the outer part of the tooth is extrinsic. The stain molecules make their home on your enamel, which is the layer of the tooth that protects the softer part of the tooth underneath. Enamel comes in contact with everything you eat or drink and can absorb some of the pigment over time and cause a stain on the surface of your teeth.
The fine part is that extrinsic teeth stains don’t move below the enamel to the inner part of the tooth, this makes it easier to remove them.
2. Intrinsic Tooth Stains
Intrinsic teeth stains occur on dentin, a sensitive layer. These stains occur below the enamel. Dentin is naturally dark in colour and more yellow and is exposed when the enamel is thinned or worn down. This may occur because of poor dental hygiene. These stains become tougher to deal with, a little more than extrinsic stains. But, you can remove them with the proper solution.
3. Age-related Stains
Your body gives different signs of ageing and stained teeth are one of the ways to show it. You can expect two central changes to your teeth as you age: your dentin gets darker and your enamel thinner. The combination of these two causes unwanted tooth discolouration and it becomes out of your control.
Age-related staining affects the dentin of your teeth, like intrinsic stains. Using a product that uses an effective whitening ingredient like hydrogen peroxide can help. Modern and advanced dentistry deals with whitening treatments and provides treatment according to your dental condition.
Reasons For Teeth Stains
Stained teeth are often an outcome of poor lifestyle choices, food habits, poor oral hygiene, health issues and ageing. Understanding the common cause can help modify habits and behaviours to prevent tooth stains and discolouration. Major sources of stain include:
- Certain pigmented foods or drinks like coffee, tea, wine, etc. especially dark-coloured foods like tomato sauces, curries and soy sauce can stain teeth.
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco.
- Inadequate oral habits.
- Natural worn-down enamel because of ageing.
- Certain medications or antibiotics.
How To Get Rid Off From Stained Teeth: Products To Use
With time and effort, you can find a suitable product or treatment for stained teeth. You can remove stains while getting the product that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Remove Teeth Stains At Home
There are many at-home products and methods you can try to help lift stains and brighten your smile. Some of them are:
Whitening Toothpaste
Using a whitening toothpaste is a good way to remove extrinsic and intrinsic stains. You can do this at home and there are many options available in the market. Many whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that are proven to remove plaque build-up and surface stains. Some toothpaste also might contain whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that goes beneath the surface and removes deep-set stains.
Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits are available that can include gel and tray. Similar to whitening pens, teeth whitening gels are available and you can get these from your dental professional or in the market. These whitening gels can be in higher doses than whitening toothpastes. The whitening tray can be helpful to accelerate the whitening effect from the gel. The tray can help apply the gel in a targeted place and in a safe way.
Teeth Whitening Strips
This can be a reliable stain remover for teeth. Whitening strips may cause sensitivity as a side effect because of the high amounts of ingredients. You must choose carefully before getting one for yourself. Your dental professional can recommend the right one. You must follow the instructions given on the pack.
In-office Teeth Stain Removal
In-office teeth stain removal is also known as chair-side bleaching. It is a professional treatment that includes using a concentrated bleaching agent to remove teeth stains.
A dental expert will apply a protective covering to your gums and hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to your teeth. The gel will be left for 15 to 30 minutes and then removed with suction. You will get instant and lasting results. People choose in-office bleaching because of the longer results and effectiveness of at-home treatments.
Your dental expert can suggest ceramic braces can reduce discolouration and staining. You can be more confident with your teeth appearance with these.