Have you noticed any discoloration or stains on your teeth that make you hesitant to show off your smile? Understanding the causes of these stains can help you address them effectively. Common causes of these stains are:
- Fluorosis: Sparsely placed brown stains can be due to fluorosis – high intake of fluoride (majorly through water) during the growing phase.
- Aging: Due to age, teeth tend to discolor as the shiny hard layer – of enamel tends to become thin, and thus the yellowish-tinted inner layer – dentine shines through it.
- Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking/vaping and tobacco consumption can cause a definite evenly placed brown to black staining.
- Dietary choices: Eating too much highly pigmented food like turmeric, added food colors, etc can discolor teeth.
- Pigmented beverages: High consumption of tea/coffee/wine can create black-to-brown staining.
- Sugary or fizzy drinks: High consumption can cause erosion of teeth.
- Chromogenic bacteria in children: Sometimes children acquire green staining on the tooth surface which is due to chromogenic bacteria.
- Iron supplements: Iron therapy can also cause black staining of teeth.
- Negligence in oral hygiene: Plaque formation on the tooth surface can lead to yellowish stains which over time get calcified to form calculus.
How to get rid of those stains?
To effectively address staining, consult your dentist to determine the cause and receive tailored advice. The simplest and most effective way to manage extrinsic stains is scaling and root planing, the procedure that removes plaque and calculus, thus restoring the natural appearance of the tooth. For those seeking a brighter smile teeth whitening is an excellent option. There are two types of teeth whitening procedure:
In-office bleaching: A professional procedure performed by an experienced dentist to achieve the desired shade.
Home bleaching: Custom-made trays and bleaching kits allow patients to whiten their teeth safely and effectively at home.
Benefits of scaling
It is advised to get a regular dental check-up every 6 months followed by scaling depending on the patient’s requirement. While the absence of pain could be tempting to avoid a regular dental checkup, here’s why one shouldn’t. Dental problems over the period only aggravate, early detection is the key to implementing conservative and preventive measures. After consuming food, it gets deposited on the tooth surface, and after a prolonged time period it gets calcified to form calculus, which is difficult to remove with normal brushing. With malaligned teeth, this process accelerates, as malalignment aids in food lodgement. This food lodgement can also lead to tooth decay, here scaling acts as a thorough cleaning process reaching the spots that regular brushing and flossing cannot, helping to prevent future complications. Thus scaling has the added advantage of detecting problems in their initial stage, ensuring healthier teeth and gums in the long run.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a dental process that involves bleaching the enamel of teeth whitening and brightening their appearance. There are many teeth whitening products ranging from over-the-counter whitening paste to professional teeth teeth whitening. It is recommended to consult a dentist before using such over-the-counter whitening products. Teeth whitening can be carried out in two ways –
Home bleaching kits: Here bleaching agent in the form of gel or paste is applied either through a brush or applicator tip by the patients. A custom-made mouthguard is provided to keep the solution in place.
In-office teeth whitening: Teeth whitening at dental clinics uses a higher concentration of active ingredients followed by exposure to ultraviolet light which activates the ingredient to achieve desirable results more quickly.
Takeaway
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects overall oral hygiene and well-being. Regular dental check-ups, scaling, and professional guidance not only prevent the progression of dental issues but also restore confidence in your smile thus contributing to overall health. Whether it’s addressing stains through scaling or opting for teeth whitening procedures, investing in your oral health ensures long-term benefits and also saves from future hassles. Remember, a radiant smile begins with proactive care and informed choices, so consult your dentist today to embark on a journey toward better dental health and a brighter, more confident you!
– Written by Dr. Yelice Soni
