How to Remove Stains From Teeth

We all try our best to prevent tooth discoloration by practicing good oral hygiene and caring for our teeth. Many of us visit our dentist every six months and modify our eating habits by avoiding sugary foods and drinks. However, sometimes genetics, lifestyle choices, or other factors make tooth stains inevitable. If you have tooth discoloration, there are several treatments available to remove these pesky stains. This blog discusses common tooth stain types and different treatments that can brighten teeth and reduce the appearance of stains. 

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Common Types of Tooth Stains

Tooth stains generally fall into three different categories:

• Intrinsic: An intrinsic tooth stain usually appears grayish. Certain medications or tooth decay can cause this type of stain, which is located within the tooth. With this type of stain, visiting a dentist for proper treatment is highly recommended.
• Extrinsic: Extrinsic tooth stains, usually caused by certain foods and beverages, are found on the surface of the tooth or in the tooth enamel.
• Age-related: The enamel on your teeth wears away as you age, resulting in a yellowish appearance. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can also lead to age-related teeth discoloration.

Common Causes of Tooth Stains

According to the National Library of Medicine, tobacco can lead to tooth discoloration. Smokers may develop tobacco stains, which can be dark brown, yellow, brown, and even black stains. 

Certain foods and drinks can also discolor teeth, and the most common culprits include:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Red wine
• Chocolate
• Red sauces

Medications like antibiotics may also cause tooth discoloration. The teeth can also discolor with age, especially when you don’t regularly visit your dentist.

Sugary drinks, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications often cause the yellow stain in your teeth. If your teeth turn brown, it’s likely also due to certain food drinks such as coffee or tea, fruits such as blackberries or blueberries, tartar buildup, and untreated tooth decay. Liquid iron supplements or an advanced dental cavity usually cause a black tooth stain.

How to Treat Tooth Discoloration

Professional teeth whitening can restore the natural color of your teeth. There are three general types of teeth whitening treatments that, when combined with proper dental hygiene, can help you maintain a bright smile.

Bleaching

With bleaching, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are used to remove the stains in your teeth. It’s one of the most effective ways to whiten teeth and is a safe method that treats the tooth’s enamel, resulting in whiter teeth and a more youthful smile. 

At-Home Whitening

At-home whitening options can include custom-fitted bleaching trays or whitening strips—both are effective at whitening teeth. This method is perfect for those who want to improve their smile in the privacy of their own home. Dr. Chad Tomazin and his team offer options to complete the treatment in two weeks with a choice between 35% and 22% bleach.

In-Office Whitening

In-office teeth whitening treatment can result in faster results; your teeth can be whitened after just one visit. Dr. Tomazin uses the Venus White® Venus Max Whitening System, which only takes about two hours to complete. Included in the treatment are bleach syringes and upper and lower trays you can continue to use at home.

Interested in Achieving a Brighter Smile in Riverside, CA?

Dr. Tomazin and his qualified team are ready to help you achieve the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule an appointment or consultation today at (951) 686-3666 or get in touch with our online contact form.