Teeth can lose their brightness for a number of reasons. From highly pigmented foods to lifestyle and habits, stains can easily form on or below the tooth's surface. If your teeth have lost their luster, there are ways you can correct and prevent future stains with the help of your dentist. Here is a guide to frequently asked questions about tooth dicoloration. 

A Guide to Tooth Discoloration

What are the different types of discoloration?

There are three types of discoloration—extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. Extrinsic stains live on the surface of the tooth and are a result of pigmented residue from food, drinks, and bacteria. They can also be caused by tobacco use. Intrinsic stains go through tooth enamel, staining beneath the surface. Intrinsic stains can be caused by genetics, oral trauma, or excessive fluoride use. Age-related discoloration is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic components as well as time. Dentin yellows and tooth enamel thins with age, allowing dentin to be more visible. 

What causes discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is caused by a variety of factors including highly pigmented drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas, as well as dark colored fruits and vegetables. Tobacco, whether smoking a cigarette or chewing tobacco, also plays a significant role in yellowing. Poor hygiene, not brushing often or properly, along with skipping dental visits, oral trauma or disease, and medical treatments like chemotherapy or certain medications are also contributors to tooth discoloration. 

How is it treated?

One of the best ways to brighten your teeth is through professional whitening treatments from an in-office dentist. These highly effective whitening procedures often require special light or heat to activate the whitening agent and may take more than one session. Additionally, maintaining good oral health with regular dental visits goes a long way to keep your smile looking and feeling healthy.

How can I prevent it?

Limiting your exposure to pigmented food and drinks will help prevent staining. If you can't eliminate certain foods and beverages, drink water in tandem, rinse your mouth with water when you can, and brush when you have the opportunity. Keep your mouth healthy by prioritizing your at-home oral care and dental visits. 

For quality dental care for patients of all ages, residents of Hamilton, OH, choose Charles P. Debbane, DDS. Led by experienced dentists Drs. Debbane and Arnold, this family-oriented practice strives to provide a personalized experience for every patient. This dental team puts a significant focus on preventive care, offering effective services like oral cancer screening, professional teeth cleaning, dental examination, digital X-rays, topical fluoride application, sealants, and mouthguards, to keep oral complications at bay. To learn more about their general, cosmetic, and restorative services, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 887-6654.