4 Common Causes of Discolored Teeth

When they first erupt through your gums, your permanent teeth are clean and white. A lifetime of eating, drinking, and simply living, though, has no doubt left them somewhat dull and discolored, and that’s not something you want people to see.

Fortunately, teeth whitening options now available can freshen your smile, and it’s become a big business. In 2015 alone, Americans dropped more than $11 billion on whitening products and treatments.

At Manteca Dental Care, Dr. Rick Van Tran and our team understand how self-conscious dull and discolored teeth can make you feel. That’s why we offer whitening options, both in-office and at-home, from our Manteca, California, office to brighten your smile and make you feel good about your teeth.

4 common causes of discolored teeth

Many factors can lead to discolored teeth. Four of the most common include:

Staining foods like berries and soy sauce
Drinks like colas and red wine
Aging
Tobacco

These are not, by any stretch of the imagination, the only potential culprits for discolored teeth.

The bigger picture of discolored teeth

Teeth become discolored due to a variety of factors.

Intrinsic factors

Intrinsic stains are those that occur within your tooth itself. As you age, the hard enamel shell covering your teeth naturally thins, which can allow the yellowish-brown of the dentin layer beneath to show through. No amount of brushing, flossing, or teeth whitening can remove the dullness, because it’s within the structure of your teeth.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t cover up these stains. A great way to get a clean, fresh start is to get veneers, thin shells made of porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of your teeth.

Extrinsic factors

Unlike intrinsic stains, extrinsic stains occur outside your tooth. These types of stains can be removed with tooth whitening procedures. Some of the biggest producers of extrinsic stains are:

Tea and coffee
Dark colas
Soy sauce
Red wine
Dark-colored berries or berry juice
Tomatoes and tomato sauce
Any type of tobacco

But just because you want whiter teeth doesn’t mean you have to ditch these foods and beverages entirely. Consume them in moderation, make sure to rinse your mouth afterward, and brush after every meal. This will help dilute or wash away the staining elements.

There’s nothing good to say about tobacco, however. If you smoke, quit. Not only will you reduce staining, but you’ll have better overall health as well.

Why shouldn’t I use store-bought kits?

Supermarkets or pharmacies carry lots of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products, available in pastes, strips, and gels to suit your needs.

However, the problem with OTC varieties is that they usually contain little-to-no peroxide. Without an effective bleaching agent, the products may not work well, if at all. And if they do work, you may have to wait a long time to see even a modest result. In some cases, it can take months.

In addition, the trays included with OTC kits aren’t customized to fit your mouth. That means the gel can ooze out, putting you at an increased risk for tooth and gum sensitivity.

Why are professional whitening options better?

There are two professional whitening options: at-home kits and in-office treatments.

At-home kits

While you’re able to perform your whitening treatment in the comfort of your own home with kits you get at your dentist or from the store, the similarities end there. As mentioned earlier, OTC kits contain little-to-no peroxide. At-home kits you get from your dentist, however, usually contain 3-20% peroxide.

Furthermore, at-home kits you obtain from your dentist come with customized trays, so the whitening solution stays where it’s placed — on your teeth. However, at-home kits you get from your dentist will still take longer to make your teeth bright white when compared to in-office treatments.

In-office treatments

When it comes to in-office treatments, the bleaching agent by volume is 15-43% peroxide. This allows in-office treatments to make your teeth whiter quicker. Furthermore, in-office treatments can tackle some stains that at-home kits may not be able to conquer.

If you’re unsure which direction to go, don’t worry. Dr. Tran can examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and help you decide which method to go with. No matter what you decide to do, your dentist personalizes your treatment to provide you maximum benefit.

If your teeth have become dull or discolored, there’s hope, and Manteca Dental Care can help with in-office and at-home teeth whitening products. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tran, give us a call at 209-823-9218 or book online today.