Are you ready to flash those pearly whites with confidence? Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving into the world of different types of tooth stains and how to banish them for good. Say goodbye to those pesky stains and hello to a sparkling smile.
1. Surface Stains
Let’s kick things off with the most common type of tooth stains: surface stains. These stains can happen when we munch on colourful foods like berries, drink coffee, tea, or soda, or even when we don’t brush our teeth as well as we should. Surface stains usually sit on the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
How to Remove Them
- Brushing: The simplest way to tackle surface stains is by brushing your teeth regularly with toothpaste. Make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in small, circular motions.
- Flossing: Don’t forget to floss! Sometimes, stains can hide between your teeth where your brush can’t reach them. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that cause stains.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Using a whitening toothpaste can also help lift surface stains over time. Look for toothpaste with ingredients like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which can gently scrub away stains.
2. Intrinsic Stains
Next up, we have intrinsic stains. Unlike surface stains, which sit on the outside of your teeth, intrinsic stains happen when the inner structure of your tooth, called dentin, darkens or gets discoloured and has to be looked at by a dentist in SE Calgary.
It can be caused by various factors, such as injury, certain medications (like tetracycline), or excessive fluoride consumption during childhood.
How to Remove Them
- Professional Whitening: Intrinsic stains can be more stubborn to remove, so you might need professional help. Your dentist can perform professional teeth whitening near you that uses stronger bleaching agents to lighten the discolouration.
- Bonding or Veneers: In some cases, your dentist might recommend bonding or veneers to cover up intrinsic stains. These are thin layers of material (like composite resin or porcelain) that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance.
3. Age-Related Stains
Last but not least, we have age-related stains. As we get older, our enamel naturally wears down, making our teeth more susceptible to stains. Additionally, over the years, the dentin inside our teeth can also darken, leading to a yellowish or brownish appearance.
How to Remove Them
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is crucial as we age. Brushing and flossing regularly can prevent stains from getting worse and keep your smile bright.
- Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks: As much as you might love your morning coffee or evening glass of red wine, try to limit your consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks. If you do indulge, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help minimize staining.
- Professional Cleanings: Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings are essential for keeping age-related stains at bay. Your dentist near you can remove built-up plaque and tartar, which can contribute to discolouration.
Contact Inglewood Family Dental
Keeping your smile bright and stain-free is all about practicing good oral hygiene habits, being mindful of what you eat and drink, and seeking professional help when needed. So, there you have it. Armed with this knowledge, you can now take charge of your dental health and say cheese with confidence.
Keep those toothbrushes handy, and don’t forget to show off your sparkling smile to the world. Inglewood Family Dental offers professional tools and treatments for removing tooth stains, ensuring a brighter, healthier smile for all their patients.
