Teeth discoloration is a common problem that affects many people. A number of factors can contribute to discoloration, such as aging, smoking, and certain foods and drinks. Fortunately, there are options available to help restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. To learn how Premier Dentistry of Eagle can help, read this!

Types of Tooth Discoloration

There are three main types of discoloration that can occur in teeth. These include extrinsic staining, intrinsic staining, and age-related staining.

Extrinsic Staining:

Extrinsic staining or surface stains generally occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking beverages such as coffee and tea or eating certain foods. It occurs when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build-up in the film of protein that covers the tooth enamel. Extrinsic tooth stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee and tea, wine or cola drinks. This type of tooth stain responds well to regular dental cleaning and brushing the teeth with whitening toothpaste.

Intrinsic Staining:

Intrinsic staining or internal stains are caused when dentin or enamel become discolored due to medications such as some antibiotics, illnesses, and trauma to the tooth. An intrinsic tooth stain is staining below the surface of the tooth. It occurs when stain-causing particles work through the exterior of the tooth and accumulate within the tooth enamel. Excessive fluoride use has  also been associated with intrinsic fluoride, especially in children. An intrinsic tooth stain is trickier to remove, but it can be done. An intrinsic tooth stain may require bleaching using professional or at-home chemical teeth-whitening products, such as Whitestrips.

Age-Related Staining:

Age-related staining occurs when the outer enamel layer of the tooth becomes thinner due to age, exposing the dentin underneath. This can cause your teeth to appear yellow or gray. Because the core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, naturally yellows over time, teeth discolor with age. As we age, the enamel that covers the tooth becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. These intrinsic causes of discoloration combined with extrinsic causes such as the effects of certain foods, beverages, and tobacco, will cause most adults’ teeth to discolor with age.

Discoloration Factors

Some of the most common contributing factors to a duller smile include:

• Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
• The natural aging process
• Certain foods and drinks, such as wine, soda, coffee, and tea
• Fluorosis
• Poor dental hygiene
• Certain medications
• Illness

How Teeth Whitening Can Help Discoloration

A professional whitening treatment from Premier Dentistry of Eagle is an effective and safe way to reduce extrinsic stains and discoloration of the teeth. Our whitening treatments use a powerful bleaching agent, allowing us to lighten your teeth up to nine shades in a single appointment.

In addition to our in-office professional whitening treatment, we also offer take-home kits that allow you to achieve the same results from the comfort of your own home. Our take-home kits include custom trays and professional strength bleaching gel, giving you the flexibility to whiten your teeth on your own schedule.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Zoom in-office whitening is a safe and simple process that uses advanced and effective methods to leave you with beautiful, long-lasting results. In most cases, this treatment takes about one hour, in which our dentist will perform the following steps:

• Clean your teeth
• Cover your lips and gums to protect them from exposure to the whitening material
• Apply a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, and leave it there for 15 minutes
• Shine the Zoom LED lights over your teeth to activate the hydrogen peroxide, which will penetrate the tooth’s surface and dissolve discoloration and stains.
• Repeat the process of applying the whitening gel and shining the LED lights an additional 2 times

After you have completed your three 15-minute whitening sessions, you can walk out of our office with a brighter, more confident smile! You will also receive instructions about how to care for your whiter smile at home, as well as a touch-up kit that will help your smile last longer.

Discoloration Prevention

After your whitening treatment, it is important to remember that lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking red wine or coffee can cause discoloration again over time. To help prevent discoloration and prolong the effects of your whitening treatment, we recommend:

• Limiting your intake of staining beverages
• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Using a straw when drinking colored beverages
• Visiting our office twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your smile looking white and bright for years to come.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you are interested in learning more about how professional teeth whitening can help reduce discoloration, contact Premier Dentistry of Eagle today to schedule your appointment. Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the care you need to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Stop hiding your smile due to discoloration and contact us today!