Teeth stains occur for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, with the advancement of cosmetic dental procedures like Invisalign treatment, veneers and zoom whitening, many teeth issues, including stained teeth, are treatable and preventable altogether. Here are what causes teeth stains and the best ways to get rid of them.
Common Causes
Food and Beverages, and Tobacco use
Plenty of food and beverages cause teeth stains. Some include coffee, tea, colas, wines, and starchy food such as pasta and potatoes. Excessive consumption of these foods or drinks can cause teeth stains. Smoking or chewing tobacco excessively can also stain teeth.Poor dental hygiene
Be it skipping brushing or flossing; poor oral hygiene can cause plaque and food stains to build up quickly, eventually staining your teeth.Ageing and Genetics
The core tissue of your teeth, dentin, naturally yellows over time. And as we age, the enamel that covers the teeth becomes thinner, exposing the yellow dentin, thereby giving the appearance of stained teeth. Sometimes, thicker and whiter enamel runs in the family genetics, causing the appearance of stained teeth.Environment
During the tooth formation process, too much fluoride, either from high fluoride in water or from excessive use of fluoride toothpaste, rinses or mouthwash, can result in a condition called fluorosis. This condition creates white spots on the teeth, leading to stained teeth.Disease
There are some illnesses or diseases that affect enamel development in children, causing teeth stains. These can affect while in the womb or during the teeth development stage (under 8 years).Trauma
Accidents or injuries can cause trauma to your teeth. Similar to any part of your body turning blue or black after a fall or injury, teeth can also become discolored and stained after a trauma. A teeth stain (especially ones that turn grey) is a sign that the tooth is not receiving adequate blood after an injury.Medications
Several classes of medications, including the ones taken for high blood pressure, chemotherapy antihistamines and some antipsychotic medications, can cause teeth stains.
How To Get Rid Of Them?
By far, the two best methods to remove teeth stains are veneer treatment and zoom teeth whitening, which are two procedures Invisalign Center in Dubai also specializes in. The method you can use comes down to what type of teeth stains you have, intrinsic or extrinsic.
Intrinsic teeth stains are those caused when the dentin beneath the enamel becomes discoloured. Common causes of such stains include trauma or taking certain antibiotics.
Extrinsic stains are a superficial type of discolouration that affects the outermost layer of teeth or the enamel. These tooth stains are often caused by particular types of foods, beverages, and tobacco products.
Based on the type of stains, zoom teeth whitening treatment is great for extrinsic teeth stains, whereas veneers treatment is considered ideal for intrinsic teeth stains.
Veneers Treatment
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental-grade porcelain placed over the front of a tooth to cover any dental flaws like discolouration and stains. Even if your natural teeth stain over time, the veneers will remain bright, ensuring a bright and white smile.
Zoom Teeth Whitening
Zoom teeth whitening treatment is a simple, non-invasive procedure that usually takes up to 45 minutes to an hour. The process uses a special lamp, referred to as a zoom light or zoom laser, along with a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel to remove stains from the teeth.
Visit your dentist to know what type of stains you have and the best option to get rid of them.