Know about your Teeth Stains

Extrinsic tooth stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee and tea, wine or cola drinks. This type of tooth stain responds well to regular dental cleaning. Brushing the teeth with whitening toothpaste is a solution too. 

There are various reasons for tooth stains but knowing your stain will help in selecting the right approach to remove them. Dental professionals have identified three main categories of tooth stains:

1. Extrinsic Teeth Stains: An extrinsic tooth stain is the staining that occurs on the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-ups in the film of protein that covers the tooth enamel. Extrinsic tooth stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee and tea, wine or cola drinks. This type of tooth stain responds well to regular dental cleaning. Brushing the teeth with whitening toothpaste is a solution too.

2. Intrinsic Teeth Stains: An intrinsic tooth stain is the staining that occurs below the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel. Excessive fluoride use is associated with intrinsic stains especially in children. An intrinsic tooth stain is trickier to remove; but it can be done. An intrinsic tooth stain may require bleaching using professional or 'at-home' whitening products.

3. Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains combine the results of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discolouration. Because the core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, naturally yellows over time, teeth discolour with age. As we age, the enamel that covers the tooth becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. These intrinsic causes of discolouration combined with extrinsic causes such as the effects of certain foods, beverages and tobacco will cause most adults' teeth to discolour with age.

Teeth stains have many causes. Some of them are:

• Food and drink: Coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even a few fruits and vegetables are proven causes of discoloured teeth.

• Tobacco: Both cigarettes and tobacco can contribute to discoloured teeth.

• Oral care: Poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing or flossing, can lead to tooth discolouration.

• Trauma or disease: Any trauma, illness, or disease that affects enamel development in children—either in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8)—can cause discoloured teeth. Trauma to adult teeth can also cause discoloured teeth. In addition, there are a few diseases and disease treatments that can cause discoloured teeth. Chemotherapy and radiation, for example, discolour teeth.

• Medical treatments: Sometimes medical treatments can contribute to teeth stain and several classes of medications including high blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, antihistamines and some antipsychotic medications can cause teeth stains.

By Dr Swagat Pranam Sharma

Periodontist and Oral Implantologist

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