How to get rid of tooth stains, Everyone strives to have white and shiny teeth, and so many doctors have found different ways to get them, especially if the teeth are unhealthy and full of stains. During this article, we will discuss in detail the methods of getting rid of tooth stains, their causes, and how to prevent them.
How to get rid of tooth stains
How to get rid of tooth stains
Tooth stains: These are random spots scattered on the surface of the teeth, where their color changes from white to other colors such as yellow, brown, and orange. They occur due to several factors, including consuming staining foods or using fluoride. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the causes of stains, their types, and therapeutic methods to get rid of them.
“We provide comprehensive care for your oral health and beautiful teeth, including dealing with the problem of stains at The Dental Center.”
What is the difference between cavities and stains?
Many of us may not be able to distinguish between cavities and stains since one of the symptoms of each is the presence of spots on the teeth, and they both affect the enamel layer. However, there are several differences, including:
Point of difference |
Cavities |
Stains |
Appearance of spots |
The spots appear inside a concentrated cavity and are brown or black. |
The spots are randomly scattered on the surface of the teeth and are yellow, brown, black, or white in color. |
Pain |
Cavities cause severe pain when they reach the nerve of the tooth. |
It doesn’t cause any pain at all. |
Sensitivity |
Due to the depth of the cavity, it may reach the roots of the teeth, causing sensitivity to cavities against frozen and hot foods. |
Stains do not cause any tooth sensitivity. |
Presence of cavities |
There is a cavity, and the deeper the cavity, the larger it becomes. |
It does not cause any cavities since the spots are scattered on the surface of the teeth. |
Response to teeth cleaning |
Cavities do not disappear with just teeth cleaning but require treatment such as filling or extraction by a dentist. |
When teeth are cleaned, the stains start to disappear gradually, and it is preferable to avoid foods that cause such stains. |
What are the causes of tooth stains?
There are several causes that can lead to tooth stains, and the following will discuss them in detail:
- Tooth decay is one of the causes of tooth stains, as a result of cavities, we will notice a concentrated cavity with brown or black spots.
- Excessive smoking of different types of tobacco, such as cigarettes and hookahs, which contain nicotine, directly affects the color of the teeth.
- One of the causes of stains could be aging.
- The presence of some genes and genetic factors that cause the spread of spots and stains.
- Undergoing certain examinations that use devices or radiation that cause a change in the color of the teeth.
- The patient may suffer from some chronic diseases, one of the symptoms of which is the loss of the natural color of the teeth.
- Consuming foods and drinks that contain stains, such as coffee and tea.
- Excessive use of fluoride found in water and toothpaste.
- Neglecting dental hygiene.
- Taking certain medications that contain staining substances, such as blood pressure medication and antibiotics.
- Using foods and materials that contain high amounts of iron.
Wrong habits that cause tooth stains
Bad habits that patients practice during their lives are one of the main causes of tooth stains and color change. These habits include:
- Some foods and drinks: One of the habits that patients may not notice as the cause of tooth stains is consuming large amounts of foods that contain dyes, such as cherries and berries, and processed foods like potato products. Consuming drinks such as coffee and tea, which are made up of tannins that accumulate on the enamel layer of the teeth and cause dark spots.
- Smoking: This is one of the most common habits that cause tooth stains. Excessive smoking increases the yellowing of the teeth, as it contains tobacco substances such as nicotine and tar that cause yellow spots to spread on the enamel layer of the teeth.
- Lack of dental care: The habit of neglecting teeth cleaning is one of the causes of tooth stains, as the patient does not care about brushing their teeth, which increases the accumulation of food residues, forming plaque and tartar that increase the yellowing and orange staining of the teeth.
Wrong habits that cause tooth stains
Medical conditions that cause tooth stains
The patient may suffer from some diseases that could be one of the symptoms or the main cause of tooth stains, including:
- Gum inflammation that may occur due to the spread of harmful bacteria in the teeth.
- Calcium deficiency due to thyroid gland deficiency.
- Nutritional metabolic disorders due to diseases such as hypertension and insulin resistance.
- Deficiency of vitamins (C) and (D).
- Liver diseases. Digestive disorders.
- Diseases that may affect pregnant women, such as infections, which can cause stains on the child’s teeth.
Treatment for tooth stains
There are several therapeutic methods that a dentist can use to treat tooth stains:
- Bleaching using bleaching agents: This is one of the fast treatment methods, where the doctor uses a high percentage of hydrogen peroxide or what is called hydrogen peroxide along with some bleaching agents. A blue light is shone on them to activate the oxygen to make it effective in bleaching. The session lasts no more than 30 minutes, and its effect appears within 45 minutes.
- Dental bonding: This is also called dental bonding, where the doctor uses a resin material that is similar in color to natural teeth and is used to conceal the spots.
- Dental veneers: These are made up of materials such as porcelain and are similar in appearance to natural teeth. They are used to cover the teeth and conceal deep spots and stains. They are installed by applying a strong adhesive after removing a layer of tooth enamel. The most well-known types are veneers and lumineers.
- Teeth cleaning: This is a deep cleaning procedure performed by the doctor, using medical tools to remove plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth. Additionally, the patient should care for their teeth by brushing them daily to maintain the natural color of the teeth and using toothpaste containing bleaching agents.
“Our distinguished medical team ensures that you get rid of the problem of tooth stains and achieve the best state of dental health. Prepare for a unique and exceptional experience.”
What are the types of tooth stains?
There are several types of stains that can affect the teeth, based on the color of the stain and the causes of the stain, which we will discuss in the following paragraph:
Types of tooth stains according to the cause:
- External stains: These are spots and stains scattered on the surface of the teeth as a result of direct contact with the causes of stains, such as foods, drinks, and cigarettes.
- Internal stains: These are stains and spots present inside the teeth themselves, occurring due to tooth decay or taking certain medications or exposure to high levels of fluoride. These stains are among the most difficult to remove, as bleaching agents are ineffective in concealing them.
- Age-related stains: Stains increase as a person gets older, as the enamel layer of the teeth gradually begins to erode, revealing the yellowish color of the tooth pulp.
Types of tooth stains according to the color of the spots:
- Yellow tooth stains: These are yellow spots on the surface of the teeth that can occur due to aging or excessive smoking, consuming drinks like tea and coffee, or some diseases like chronic dry mouth.
- Brown tooth stains: These are brown spots that can result from excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, neglecting to clean the teeth, and minor tooth decay.
- White tooth stains: These are white spots or stains that occur due to consuming large amounts of drinks containing fluoride, such as drinking water, and using toothpaste with high levels of fluoride, which is referred to as fluoride toxicity.
- Black tooth stains: These are black stains that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of deep cavities or necrosis in the tooth pulp, or using toothpaste or consuming foods containing high amounts of iron.
Medications that cause tooth stains
The patient may take certain medications that can cause tooth stains, including:
- In some cases, the patient may undergo certain examinations such as radiation and chemotherapy treatment for the head and neck.
- Taking certain antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline, which can affect the formation of enamel on children’s teeth.
- Excessive use of mouthwash containing substances such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride.
- Using and taking medications such as antihistamines.
- Using medications that help lower blood pressure.
Medications that cause tooth stains
How to remove tooth stains at home
Many people prefer to resort to home remedies to get rid of stains. The following are some of the most popular home methods:
- Using baking soda: It can be used to get rid of bacteria in the mouth and remove tooth stains by preventing the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth.
- Using hydrogen peroxide: This is a mild bleaching agent that can be mixed with baking soda to create a mixture and applied to a toothbrush and brushed for one minute twice a week.
- Chewing leafy foods: The patient should focus on consuming foods that contain fiber, such as leafy vegetables like spinach and legumes like beans, as they help prevent the teeth from being exposed to stains and cavities.
Best tips for preventing tooth stains
Many doctors advise patients to follow certain preventive measures against tooth stains, including:
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea.
- Visit the doctor for a deep teeth cleaning.
- Take care of brushing teeth at least after meals with a toothbrush and toothpaste that is fluoride-free.
- Use dental floss to remove food residues between the teeth.
- Drink plenty of water.
Foods that help prevent tooth stains
There are many natural foods that protect teeth from staining, including:
- Consuming moderate amounts of nuts.
- Including whole grains in main meals.
- Consuming foods that contain antioxidants, such as ginger and garlic.
- Eating fruits that contain fiber, such as apples and peaches.
- Consuming plenty of leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
- Consuming small amounts of dairy and cheese.
Best center for dental treatment and beautification
In this article, we will recommend one of the most important centers in Egypt, which is The Dental Center. It has a team of highly experienced dentists who hold fellowship certificates in various specialties such as cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and surgical procedures for teeth and jaws. The center provides the latest medical equipment and techniques to ensure the highest results expected by patients.
Best center for dental treatment and beautification
"Professional Dentist at the Dental Care Medical Center
Welcome to the Dental Care Medical Center, where we offer a full range of preventive, therapeutic, and cosmetic dental services. We have a team of the best dentists in Egypt, who have extensive experience in all areas of dentistry.
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