Numerous factors, such as food and drink, dental hygiene and the use of medications, can lead to tooth decay.
Dental stains not only affect the aesthetics of the smile, but can also be indicators of deeper oral health problems.
Dental stains, which can be of different shades, are visible indicators of different processes that affect oral health.
The different types of stains are:
White spots
White spots on teeth are often indicators of enamel demineralization, an early stage of caries.
This loss of minerals may be the result of plaque accumulation resulting from poor oral hygiene or due to acids from food.
They can also be caused by fluorosisassociated with excessive exposure to fluoride during dental formation, or enamel hypoplasiaswhich develop due to problems during childhood, such as disease or nutritional deficiencies.
Yellow spots:
The yellow color of teeth is usually related to eating habits and the consumption of certain products.
Beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and foods with dyes can leave residues on the tooth surface, causing yellow stains.
Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, is another common cause of yellowish stains on teeth due to the chemical components present in tobacco.
Brown spots:
Brown stains on the teeth can originate for various reasons.
Bacterial plaque build-up that is not removed with proper oral hygiene can darken and take on brownish hues.
In addition, frequent consumption of dark beverages, such as coffee or tea, and certain pigmented foods can leave stains of this color on the tooth surface.
They may also be related to tobacco use; tar and other chemical components present in tobacco tend to deposit on the teeth over time, contributing to the appearance of brown stains and, in more advanced cases, black stains.
Gray Spots:
Gray stains on the teeth are the result of exposure to antibiotics, especially tetracycline, during tooth formation.
These drugs, administered during dental development, can integrate into the structure of the enamel, causing alterations in its coloration.
Depending on the timing and dosage of exposure to these antibiotics, the stains can vary from gray to brown tones, affecting the esthetic appearance of the teeth permanently.
Black spots:
Black spots on the teeth indicate advanced decay and severe tooth decay.
These stains arise when plaque bacteria have penetrated deep into the tooth structure, compromising its integrity.
Untreated cavities can advance and darken, generating dark spots that indicate the presence of decayed tooth tissue.
This condition requires immediate dental treatment because if not addressed in time, it can lead to pain, infection and even loss of the affected tooth.
Causes of dental stains
Food and Beverages:
One of the main causes of extrinsic stains on teeth is the regular consumption of foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and some soft drinks. beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and some soft drinks. Pigments from these foods can adhere to tooth enamel and stain it noticeably. In addition, the consumption of acidic foods can destroy tooth enamel, making it easier for the pigments to penetrate.
Tobacco stains
Tobacco contains ingredients such as nicotine and tar. contains ingredients such as nicotine and tar, these elements have a strong tendency to discolor teeth. Tobacco consumption, whether smoked or chewed, is one of the main reasons for tooth staining.
Poor oral hygiene
When dental plaque is not sufficiently removed, it creates an environment conducive to the accumulation of chromogenic substances in the tooth, which can lead to the production and appearance of stains. production and appearance of stains.
Stains due to the use of drugs and antibiotics
Certain drugs such as tetracycline, salmeterol, fluticasone, amoxicillin or chlorhexidine can discolor teeth. can discolor teeth. Tetracycline can deposit on the enamel and cause changes in its coloration, resulting in gray or brown stains.
Age-related stains are common as we age and may be due to changes in tooth composition and structure, as well as the slow accumulation of surface stains over time.
Genetics, certain diseases and inadequate dental hygiene can contribute to the appearance of these stains.
Genetic causes
Some people may be predisposed to have naturally yellow dentin or enamel that is more prone to discoloration due to genetic causes.
Traumatic stains
Trauma stains can occur when a tooth is damaged by an accident or injury. In some cases, this type of damage also affects the dental pulp, causing changes in the color of the tooth. These stains can appear immediately after the incident or appear after some time has elapsed.
Difference between intrinsic and extrinsic dental stains.
External or extrinsic dental stains :
This type of stains are located on the surface of the tooth.
They occur when colored remains of food or drink, or stain particles, accumulate in the layer that covers the tooth enamel. The most common cause of extrinsic dental stains is tobacco consumption, although the ingestion of foods such as wine, coffee and other pigmented foods is also a reason for the appearance of these stains.
Frequent tooth brushing and the use of whitening toothpastes are effective treatments for this type of tooth discoloration.
Although in more serious cases it is recommended to go to a dental clinic dental clinic to make a diagnosis and see if any additional treatment is necessary.
Internal or intrinsic dental stains:
The main difference between intrinsic and extrinsic stains is that intrinsic stains are found under the surface of the tooth while extrinsic stains are found on the surface of the enamel, and intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove .
They occur when stain-causing particles enter the tooth from the outside and accumulate inside the enamel.
Internal staining has also been linked to excessive fluoride intake, especially in young people. Although more difficult, it is possible to erase an intrinsic tooth stain.
It is very likely that you will need to have your teeth deep dental cleaning in a dental clinic and then a tooth whitening tooth whitening to lighten intrinsic tooth discoloration.
Effective treatments to remove dental stains
Dental Prophylaxis and Professional Cleaning:
- Frequent dental hygiene: To prevent and remove surface stains, it is essential to follow a good oral hygiene routine. Using whitening toothpaste and brushing your teeth twice a day will help remove fresh stains and prevent new ones from appearing. Frequent mouth rinsing and flossing are also necessary to get rid of bacterial plaque, which can cause stains to appear.
- Professional dental cleaning: To get rid of surface stains and plaque buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot completely remove, routine dental cleanings are best recommended. During these procedures, professionals use specialized equipment to remove tartar and stains from hard-to-reach areas.
Tooth whitening:
- In-office or in-clinic whitening: Superficial and yellowish stains can be effectively removed with in-office whitening methods. To accelerate the whitening process, whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are applied. These gels are activated by a specialized light.
- At-home teeth whitening: Dentists can also provide whitening kits with gels that are less intense than those used in offices. These professionally supervised procedures offer the convenience of at-home teeth whitening and have the potential to be beneficial for milder stains.
Dental veneers
- Dental veneers: Porcelain dental porcelain or composite resin dental veneers are bonded to the front surface of teeth to correct dental anomalies, discolorations or chronic stains. or composite resin are bonded to the front surface of teeth to correct dental anomalies, discolorations or chronic stains. They provide a natural, uniform appearance by covering defects.
Dental Fillings:
- Dental fillings: These may be an option for areas with deeper stains or related to decay. These fillings can mimic natural tooth color while restoring tooth structure.
How to prevent the appearance of dental stains?
- Regular brushing and flossing can help remove surface stains and plaque that can discolor teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- Eat foods that help clean teeth: Fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apples, can help keep teeth healthy and remove surface stains.
- Reduce or stay away from foods and beverages that stain: Staining can be caused by foods and beverages such as dark berries, red wine, tea and coffee. You can prevent discoloration by limiting or avoiding them.
- Use hydroxyapatite toothpastes instead of fluoride toothpastes. Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and increase its resistance to stains, but hydroxyapatite is less abrasive and works better overall.
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products: These behaviors can severely discolor the teeth. Water is a good drink to remove food particles, balance acid and erase stains from surfaces.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Plaque and surface stains can cause discoloration; these can be prevented with routine dental cleanings and checkups.
