Tooth Staining
Tooth and Teeth Staining occurs regularly and can affect everyone but sometimes occurs more often in men than women. An individual’s teeth may be healthy but not naturally be a bright white shade and may have an appearance to be slightly off-white, yellow or grey.
Tooth Staining is caused by either extrinsic staining on the teeth’s surface or intrinsic staining which occurs inside the tooth. Extrinsic or surface stains can be caused by a number of things. Those who don’t take proper care of their teeth and have poor hygiene from lack of teeth cleaning, brushing and flossing may have plaque that adheres to teeth, changing the color. Drinks and food, like coffee, wine, soda, tea, dark fruits and fried food can also stain teeth. Iron tablets, specific antibiotics, such as tetracycline and mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine can also cause external staining.
Intrinsic tooth staining is often caused by toothpaste Fluoride or Fluoride Drops, antibiotics used in children and thin enamel from aging can also cause intrinsic tooth staining. Tobacco, smoking, and decay can cause both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Tooth discoloration can be caused by fillings or if the tooth’s nerve dies. General decay and wear of enamel can also cause discoloration.
Proper cleaning, hygiene and cosmetic whitening or teeth bleaching by your cosmetic dentist can remove plague and staining. It’s important to maintain proper dental care by having regular cleanings, flossing daily and brushing your teeth two times per day. Many times those with intrinsic staining must resort to solutions such as veneers or crowns.