What is Teeth Staining?

We all know the confidence that comes with flashing a white, bright smile. It lights up a room and leaves a lasting impression. But what happens when our pearly whites start to lose their luster?

Dr. Jenny Citrin, our expert in Cosmetic Dentistry, brings a wealth of knowledge and a gentle touch to every patient. As the only American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accreditation Candidate in Massachusetts and a Kois Center graduate, Dr. Jenny has the advanced training and artistic eye to tackle even the most stubborn stains. With her guidance, we tackle teeth staining head-on, ensuring your smile stays as dazzling as ever.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the most common causes of teeth staining and explore how you can achieve a bright, shining smile. Whether you're dealing with years of coffee stains or just looking to maintain your already gorgeous grin.

Common Causes of Teeth Staining

Understanding the causes of teeth staining is essential for maintaining that bright, confident smile. Teeth staining generally falls into two primary categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Extrinsic Staining

Extrinsic staining refers to discoloration that affects the outer surface of the tooth, known as the enamel. This type of staining is usually caused by external factors, making it more manageable with good dental hygiene and professional treatments.

At Thrive Dental, we perform extrinsic stain removals with the Airflow Prophylaxis Master. This device removes stains better than any other treatment without causing damage to the teeth, and very few offices have it!

Here are some common causes of extrinsic staining.

Food and Beverages

• Coffee and Tea:  Both beverages contain tannins, which are plant compounds that can cause color compounds to stick to your teeth and can lead to noticeable yellow or brown stains.
• Red Wine: The high tannin content in red wine, combined with its deep color, can significantly impact your tooth color.
• Certain Fruits and Vegetables: Berries like blueberries and blackberries, as well as beets, are known for their strong pigments that can cling to enamel.
• Dark-Colored Sauces: Sauces like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato-based sauces can easily lead to extrinsic staining if not properly managed.

Tobacco Use

• Smoking: Nicotine and tar in tobacco can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth by sticking to the enamel.
• Chewing Tobacco: The dark juices from the tobacco seep into the enamel, causing persistent and noticeable stains.

Poor Oral Hygiene

• Inadequate Brushing and Flossing: Failing to brush and floss regularly allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth and trap stains from food and drinks.
• Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings: Skipping regular cleanings can result in the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which can cause persistent staining.

Medications

• Certain Mouthwashes: Some antiseptic mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, which can cause teeth to become discolored over time.

Intrinsic Staining

Intrinsic staining occurs within the inner structure of the tooth, known as the dentin. This type of discoloration is often more challenging to treat since it stems from deeper within the tooth. These are some of the primary causes of intrinsic staining.

Trauma or Injury

• Tooth Injuries: When a tooth experiences trauma or injury, it can lead to internal bleeding within the tooth, causing the dentin to darken immediately after the injury or develop over time.

Medications

• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause intrinsic staining, particularly if taken by pregnant women or young children.

Genetics

• Natural Tooth Color: Some people are born with teeth that are naturally slightly darker or yellowish.
• Thickness of Enamel: People with thinner enamel may be more prone to intrinsic staining as the underlying dentin is more visible.

Lesser-Known Causes of Teeth Staining

While extrinsic and intrinsic staining are the main categories, other factors can contribute to teeth discoloration. Let's examine some of these additional causes.

Dentistry

• Fillings: Over time, fillings can become discolored, and inadequate dental work can cause teeth to not match in color, leading to an uneven smile.

Using Whitening Toothpaste

• Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes are more abrasive than regular ones. They may initially remove surface stains, but they can also remove some tooth structure, leading to darker teeth as the underlying dentin becomes exposed.

Diseases and Medical Treatments

• Certain Diseases: Some diseases, like amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta, can affect the enamel and dentin, leading to tooth discoloration. Medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can change tooth color due to their impact on salivary glands and tooth structure.

Medications for Chronic Conditions

• High Blood Pressure Medication, Antipsychotics, and Antihistamines: Certain medications can reduce saliva flow, causing dry mouth and increasing the risk of staining and decay, as saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria.

Aging

• Enamel Wear: Over time, enamel wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.

Prevention and Treatment Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile

There are, unfortunately, a ton of ways that our teeth can be affected by staining. However, there are several effective ways to prevent teeth staining and maintain that sparkle. Here’s how to help you keep your smile shining brightly.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.

Watch Your Diet

• Limit Staining Foods and Beverages: If what you’re drinking could stain a plain white shirt then we recommend drinking it through a straw. Reducing your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces can significantly minimize extrinsic staining.
• Rinse With Water After Eating: This simple step can help wash away the pigments before they can stick to your teeth.

Avoid Tobacco Products

• Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your general well-being.
• Avoid Chewing Tobacco: Avoiding tobacco products altogether will help maintain your bright smile and reduce the risk of other oral health issues.

Regular Dental Visits

• Professional Cleanings: Professional cleanings every 6 months can remove surface stains and plaque buildup that regular brushing might miss.
• Consult with Dr. Jenny Citrin: Dr. Jenny can provide personalized advice and recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs, like the Airflow Prophylaxis Master, essential for early detection and treatment.

Achieve a Brighter Smile with Thrive Dental

From your morning coffee ritual to the natural effects of time, your teeth face a lot of potential stain-makers every day. By following good oral hygiene practices, being mindful of your diet, and scheduling regular dental visits, you can effectively keep your smile white and bright.

Remember, a radiant smile is about more than just aesthetics – it's about feeling confident and empowered in your daily life. At Thrive Dental Co., Dr. Jenny Citrin and our entire team are passionate about helping you achieve that feeling.

Ready to take the next step towards your brightest, healthiest smile? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jenny Citrin, and let us help you attain a smile that helps you shine.