Dental stains

On 24/12/2024

TOOTH COLORATIONS

Since tooth enamel is slightly porous, tobacco, tea or coffee can give it an unsightly color.

What solutions can be used to remedy this?

WHY ARE MY TEETH STAINED?

Food and Drink

Dark drinks like coffee and tea contain tannins, chemical compounds that can attach to tooth enamel, causing stains over time. Tannins are known for their ability to adhere to the surface of teeth, making stains harder to remove with simple brushing.

Consuming red wine can also cause tooth stains. Rich in chromogens (colored compounds) and acids, red wine makes tooth enamel more porous.

Some foods like berries, beets, spices, and sauces can also stain teeth. Acidic carbonated drinks can erode tooth enamel. This erosion makes the surface of teeth rougher, making it easier for pigments from colored foods to adhere.

Smoking

Tobacco contains nicotine and tar. These substances can cause yellow, brown or even black stains on teeth, especially in long-term smokers.

Oral Health and Hygiene

Some brown or yellow stains can appear as a result of medical conditions.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the main causes of tooth discoloration. It is caused by bacteria breaking down tooth enamel. The lesions may appear as small white or brown spots, but if the decay progresses, it can become a deeper and more painful cavity. To prevent cavities, good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is essential.

Tartar

Tartar, or dental calculus, is another common cause of tooth stains. It forms when plaque is not properly removed by brushing. The plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which adheres firmly to the teeth. Tartar can appear as yellow or brown spots, especially near the gums. Unlike plaque, tartar can only be removed with a professional cleaning at the dentist.

Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during the period of tooth formation, usually in children. As a result, tooth enamel can be altered with the appearance of white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth. Fluorosis can be caused by drinking water that is too fluoridated or by excessive ingestion of fluoride toothpaste. To avoid fluorosis, it is important to monitor fluoride intake in children and to consult a dentist.

MY TEETH ARE STAINED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Faced with colored, stained or blackened teeth, solutions exist.

Natural remedies

Some simple and economical methods can work at home to remove dental stains and regain a dazzling smile.

Baking soda, for example, is a natural whitening agent that helps remove surface stains thanks to its gentle abrasive action. You can use it once a week by mixing a spoonful of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply it using your toothbrush, rub gently for 2 minutes then rinse.

Activated charcoal is also known for its absorbent properties, which can help eliminate toxins and surface stains. Wet your toothbrush and dip it in activated charcoal powder. Brush your teeth gently for 2 to 3 minutes and then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Use this remedy once or twice a week to avoid damaging the enamel.

Professional treatments

Professional treatments exist to remove stains and restore the whiteness of teeth. Your dentist can first offer scaling and polishing. Scaling will remove plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth and polishing aims to smooth the surface of the teeth. These treatments are complementary.

It is also possible to resort to teeth whitening. The dentist will then use whitening agents to lighten the teeth. Generally, hydrogen peroxide is used.

More expensive but more durable solutions, dental veneers can also correct imperfections on the teeth.

HOW TO PREVENT STAINS?

Tooth stains can be prevented by adopting a few simple habits. Here are some effective tips to keep your teeth white and bright.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent stains. Floss daily to remove food debris between your teeth. An antiseptic mouthwash can also help reduce stain-causing bacteria.

Limit coffee, tea, red wine and carbonated drinks, which can stain your teeth. Eat crunchy foods like apples, carrots and celery, which naturally clean your teeth. Drink plenty of water to help rinse away food debris and bacteria. You can also eat dairy products, which contribute to good dental health and strengthen your teeth with calcium and vitamin D.

Finally, see your dentist regularly for cleanings and to remove plaque and tartar.

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