Which reasons lead to teeth staining?

Most of the people have experienced some or the other dental problems, probably many may be suffering currently too. Teeth staining are one such dental problem that is suffered by many of individuals. Even after maintaining good oral hygiene like regular teeth brushing, flossing after eating, avoiding foods that causes stains, etc. there are chances of teeth staining. So, many questions arise in mind about, what might be the reasons for getting teeth stains? So, before knowing the reasons, first, we need to understand the basic anatomy of the teeth.

Tooth Anatomy:

There are 4 layers in the tooth anatomy:

1. Enamel – Outer layer that is harder that prevents the teeth from easily getting decayed.
2. Dentine – This is the second layer of the tooth that is found below the enamel, it communicates with the nerve system.
3. Pulp – The pulp is below the dentine layer which is made of blood vessels, nerve, and connective tissues.
4. Cementum – Cementum is found along with the roots of the teeth that are usually connective tissue that binds the jawbone and gums

Why teeth stains occur?

Many people think that teeth stains occur due to improper teeth brushing. Well, the teeth stains can occur mainly due to the broad three categories of reasons. One or more of these reasons contribute to the teeth stains.

Here are some of the three categories of stains:

1. Extrinsic Teeth Stains

These are one of the most common reasons that cause stains from the outer surface which causes problems with enamel. In most cases, pigmentation is the main cause which slowly starts the teeth staining over a certain period. Many of the eating or drinking habits are responsible for it like taking wine, tobacco, smoking, energy drinks, excessive tea & coffee, etc. Extrinsic teeth stains are much tedious to avoid, still, they are easier to treat.

2. Intrinsic Teeth Stains

In Intrinsic teeth stains, the teeth are affected in the inner layer which is called dentine. The dentine here becomes darken or yellow and the discoloration of the teeth is easily viewed. Here, the outer layer of the teeth is worn out. Intrinsic stains usually occur due to some of the health-related aspects.

These health-related aspects are:

• Taking some medications like tetracycline antibiotics during childhood has side-effects of causing teeth stains
• More fluoride consumption during the very young age
• Tooth decay
• Genetic

Compared to the extrinsic teeth stains, the intrinsic teeth stains are harder to find remedy. Here, the outer surface of the teeth is removed cautiously to get nice results.

3. Discoloration caused due to age

After a certain age, the fractures and crack start developing on the enamel, which stains from outside and penetrate to the inner layer. In some cases, some old people even cause stains without any damage the enamel.

How to change the color of the teeth?

A dental professional will do the proper assessment of the teeth. After knowing the cause of the discoloration, the proper treatment option will be given t you. So, depending on the extrinsic, intrinsic, or old-age reason, a proper treatment will be made.