Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures in the United States, and for a good reason — tooth discoloration is extremely common. When most people notice that their teeth are starting to show some sort of discoloration they begin to lose confidence in their smile. While it is understandable to be self-conscious because of tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration is both fixable and preventable.
In today’s blog, Hazel Dell Dental Care, your source for cosmetic dentistry in Vancouver, will be discussing a few of the different kinds of tooth discoloration, as well as some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.
What Is Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is a pretty simple term to define — the discoloration of one or more teeth. That being said, tooth discoloration can be caused by anything from simple surface stains to the change of your tooth material. The two most kinds of tooth discoloration are:
- Extrinsic – An extrinsic tooth stain is a surface stain. Extrinsic stains are caused by the buildup of colored particles that lodge themselves on the enamel of the tooth. The most common causes of extrinsic tooth stains are the habitual uses or consumption of tobacco, coffee, tea, wine, and soda.
- Intrinsic – Intrinsic staining refers to the deep staining of one or more teeth. Intrinsic tooth staining is caused by prolonged extrinsic staining — with the built-up particles making their way under the enamel. While extrinsic staining can be remedied with a better home hygiene plan, intrinsic staining usually requires cosmetic dentistry to remedy.
What Are The Common Causes Of Tooth Staining?
Stains can occur on your teeth for a number of reasons, some of which we have discussed above. Foods, drinks, and even beauty products can stain your teeth slowly over time without you even knowing it. Below, we have listed a few of the most common causes of staining.
- Food and Drink – As we said earlier, particles from the food that we eat and the drinks that we drink can build up over time — but that is no reason to avoid eating and drinking altogether. Simply avoid strong or acidic drinks with bold colors to avoid, or reduce the rate of stain accumulation.
- Tobacco – Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are known to be two of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. The additives in both forms of tobacco can cause staining when either smoked or pressed up against teeth. Avoiding tobacco products can not only keep your teeth white, but it also has numerous other health benefits. And what’s not to love about that.
- Oral Care – The least surprising cause of tooth discoloration is poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth knocks stain-causing particles off of your teeth. If you do not brush as well, or as often, your teeth will stain more easily.
- Trauma or Disease – Trauma and disease are two rather unknown causes of tooth discoloration. When a tooth experiences trauma, it might require repair with dental enamel that changes the color of the point of repair when compared with the rest of the tooth. For diseases, tooth discoloration is less common and usually is a result of the medication being taken to treat the disease.
If You Suffer From Teeth Discoloration, Schedule A Whitening Today!
If your teeth are stained or discolored, for any reason, we urge you to get in touch with us today. Our Vancouver cosmetic dentistry services can help you get your smile back in no time!
Schedule your appointment today!
