3 Types of Tooth Stains and How to Reduce Them

While it’s natural for staining to occur over time, it is still one of the main reasons why people are self-conscious about their smile. Tooth stains occur for a variety of different reasons, and they aren’t all created equally, so they can’t all be addressed in the same way either. Continue reading to learn about the different types of discoloration of the teeth as well as some of the ways you can reduce the appearance of them.

3 Types of Discoloration

There are three main categories of tooth discoloration:

• Extrinsic Staining: Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the tooth, typically as a result of pigmented foods and beverages, as well as using tobacco products. If you are a fan of coffee, tea, or red wine, this is the type of staining that you should be wary of. Fortunately, this is also the easiest type of discoloration to deal with.
• Intrinsic Staining: This type of stain occurs below the surface of the tooth. This occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and within the enamel. Excessive use of fluoride has also been associated with this type of staining. While this is a more difficult stain to remove, it is still possible to do so.
• Age-Related Staining: This is a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic stains as described above. Since the center of your tooth, also known as the dentin, is naturally yellow, this will begin to show through as your enamel grows thinner over time. The combination of this and extrinsic staining will cause most adults’ teeth to become discolored over time.

How Can Discoloration Be Reduced?

If your teeth have become discolored, the good news is that you have a few different options. Professional teeth whitening is generally the first thing to be considered. Store-bought teeth whitening doesn’t usually provide great results, but in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening from your dentist is much stronger and more effective. This is primarily a good option for extrinsic staining.

If you have intrinsic or age-related staining, a restoration may be able to help you get the whiter results you’re hoping for. This includes the use of veneers or Lumineers. These thin shells of tooth-colored material are placed over the front surface of the teeth to cover cosmetic flaws, including discoloration.

If you’re concerned about discoloration, talk to your dentist. Together, you can come up with a plan that is best suited to help you meet your smile goals!

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over four decades! He pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio Health Science Center and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Fort Worth District Dental Society. For more information on cosmetic solutions to discoloration or to schedule an appointment at his office in Fort Worth, visit his website or call (817) 732-5522.