How to Avoid Tooth Stains
Teeth naturally vary in shade, but they can also be stained or discoloured in many ways. Learning the common reasons for teeth stains and how to prevent them can help you to keep your smile whiter for longer.
To find out more about prevention and treatments for discoloured teeth, talk to our dentists at Mosman 3D Dental. Call us today on (02) 9969 8610 or book a consultation online.
What causes tooth stains?
Teeth can lose their natural whiteness and turn yellow, grey, brown or other colours for many different reasons. Tooth discolouration is broadly categorised as either extrinsic or intrinsic, depending on whether it affects the tooth’s outer surface or the whole tooth.
Extrinsic stains can be caused by:
- Food or drink with dark or strong pigments that stay on teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine, soft drinks, berries and sauces
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Dental plaque that builds up on teeth and can harden into calculus if they’re not brushed and flossed correctly
Intrinsic or internal discolouration may be caused by:
- Tooth wear and erosion, exposing the yellow dentin layer beneath the enamel
- Trauma from an injury or treatment to the tooth
- Certain medical conditions, medications and treatments may cause tooth discolouration as a side effect
How can I prevent tooth stains?
Some intrinsic tooth discolouration can be hard to avoid, but outer stains can be reduced or prevented altogether by taking good care of your teeth and avoiding common sources of stains. This can include:
- Limiting or avoiding foods and drinks that are likely to stain teeth
- Drinking through a straw and not holding liquids in your mouth before swallowing
- Drinking plenty of water and rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between your teeth using floss or another interdental cleaner at least once daily
- Not smoking
- Visiting a dental clinic once or twice a year for a check-up and routine cleanings
- If discolouration is caused by medication, you could talk to your doctor about the possibility of changing your prescription
How are teeth stains treated?
If your teeth are already stained or discoloured, you can talk to your dentist about ways to restore a naturally white appearance. Treatment recommendations will depend on the type of discolouration and other factors, but may include:
- Routine cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and calculus build-up
- Teeth whitening provided at a dental clinic or using an approved take-home kit
- Tooth bonding using composite resin to cover discoloured areas
- Porcelain or composite veneers to change a tooth’s appearance
- Dental crowns to cover weakened or badly damaged teeth
Preventive and cosmetic dentistry in Mosman
If you want to know more about your options for preventing or treating stained teeth, our dentists at Mosman 3D Dental can discuss the best solutions for your needs and preferences. From in-chair whitening and personalised take-home kits to crowns and veneers, we’ll give you all the information you need to make informed decisions, with treatments provided by our experienced practitioners.