Posted: August 13, 2020
Tooth discoloration is common and can happen for many different reasons. Some of the main culprits include:
- Age
- Certain diseases
- Certain medications
- Fluorosis
- Pigmented foods and drinks
- Injury or trauma
- Infection
- Decalcification
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tobacco use
The good news is that most tooth stains are preventable and treatable. Here is what you need to know about helping your smile look its best.
Preventing Tooth Stains
A good way to avoid tooth stains is to brush and floss as soon as you’ve finished consuming a pigmented food or drink. If you can’t do that, rinsing your mouth out with water can help remove some of the staining particles. Chewing sugarless gum afterward can also be beneficial.
Practicing good oral health will also work to prevent discoloration. Brush your teeth at least three times a day, and floss to minimize the stains that often form between teeth.
Adjusting your habits is another good approach. Try to limit your intake of staining foods, drink dark beverages through a straw, and avoid tobacco.
Treating Tooth Stains
Teeth can be stained at a shallow level or deep level. The shallow level, known as an extrinsic stain, is the most common. A good solution to this type of stain is professional teeth whitening, which can brighten your smile by up to 8 shades in a single visit. Take-home whitening trays are also available.
Less frequent is the deeper level of staining called an intrinsic stain. This type of stain is caused by injury, disease, or some medications given in childhood. Tetracycline is often cited as a culprit. When it is given while the teeth are still developing, it lays deep stains that cannot be removed with whitening treatments. To improve the appearance of these stains, porcelain veneers may be a good choice.
Sometimes, teeth can develop discoloured spots due to orthodontic therapy or other factors. The innovative Icon treatment eliminates white, yellow, and brown spots without drilling or anesthesia.
View our smile gallery to see what’s possible.
Schedule Your Calgary Tooth Whitening Appointment
Experienced dentist Dr. Gordon Chee can determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and the best course of action to improve it. Call 403-543-4600 today to schedule your dental appointment. Aesthetic Dental Studio serves Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, and the surrounding areas of Alberta.
