These Two Types of Stains Keep Teeth from Being as White as You’d Like
Most of us were taught The Golden Rule as children, but did you know dentists have a golden rule about tooth discoloration? We’re sorry if that pun made you groan, but it’s true we have a common phrase when it comes to what can cause your smile to look more dull and aged than you’d like: “If it can stain your clothes, it can stain your teeth.”
If you’re thinking, “Oh my gosh, that’s nearly everything!”, you’re right. We know it’s far from ideal that just about everything but water can lead to tooth discoloration, so we hate to say there’s even more bad news, but… there’s another type of staining to worry about, and it can be more difficult to treat.
We’re Just the Messengers!
Juices, sodas, wines, teas, coffees, flavorful curries, and tobacco products (and the list doesn’t end there, unfortunately) can all stain your enamel, but what about stains underneath the surface?
Stains that affect the inner structure of your teeth (dentin) are called intrinsic, and a few things can cause this type of discoloration, such as:
- Fluorosis
- Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline
- Oral injury/trauma to your teeth
- A rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta
The good news is, these are less likely to affect you. The better news is, even if they have, your Wallingford dentist, Dr. James Dow and Dr. Robert Violette can help you find solutions that give you the confidence to smile. We offer restorative and cosmetic dentistry at Main Street Dental, and we provide it with the gentle and compassionate touch you deserve.
Contact us at Main Street Dental today to learn more about how you can prevent or treat tooth discoloration, or to schedule an appointment and share smiles with us!
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.