Let’s talk about why teeth stain or discolor.
A stain that happens on the surface of your took is Extrinsic. These are usually smoking, red wine, coffee, soda, tea stains and, with treatment, can be removed to restore the tooth to a more white color. These respond to cleanings, and whitening toothpastes and over the counter treatments.
Intrinsic stains are below the surface of the tooth and blend with the enamel. They are harder to remove and require more aggressive, consistent chemical treatments at home or at your providers direction.
Age—It’s no secret, as we age, our enamel starts to break down and becomes thinner, making the tooth more prone to discoloration.
Poor hygiene—lack of brushing and flossing will obviously diminish the health, and color, of your teeth. Practice brushing with an approved ADA toothpaste, and flossing multiple times each day. Additionally, routine dental visits will preserve the best health and whiteness of your teeth.
Trauma or Disease—As the enamel develops over the course of a tooth’s life, bad hygiene, disease and medications can cause discoloration in a person’s teeth. Children often fall, causing the death of a baby tooth, which results in a grey or discolored tooth. A baby tooth is normally left untreated as it will fall out and be replaced by a new and healthy adult tooth. When an adult tooth is chipped, a restoration like a veneer or crown may be recommended. Chemotherapy and radiation may also discolor teeth.
If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, be sure to ask Dr. Rizza what your options are to restore a brighter smile!
Come visit us at First Street Smiles for all your dental hygiene needs!
Quick Links
