Tooth Staining

 

Stains on the teeth occur for numerous reasons and are a common aesthetic problem. Interestingly, men are more prone to dental discolouration than women. Tooth stains can vary in shade of colour from grey to yellow and are categorised into two groups. Extrinsic (outside) stains are thought to be a result of low standard of dental hygiene, certain drinks or foods (coffee, tea, coke, red wine), smoking, tooth decay and certain antibiotics (tetracycline). Intrinsic (inside) stains are usually caused by fluoride, ageing (enamel wearing of) and use of some antibiotics very early during childhood. Extrinsic and intrinsic stains quite often occur together.

Stains on the teeth are not difficult to diagnose and can be seen during a regular check up by a dentist. Extrinsic stains are generally much easier to get rid of than intrinsic stains. Most of them can be fairly easy to remove by performing a professional cleaning procedure. The dentist can also use a bleaching gel to remove worse stains. Chewing whitening gum, visiting the dentist for regular checkups and a professional cleaning routine as well as rinsing, brushing and flossing teeth are all seen as ways to reduce the risk of dental stains.