Teeth, one of the features that affect the external appearance of people, have a crucial position in terms of cleaning and hygiene. Individuals who want to have a healthy and white smile, to be highly self-confident in society, and to feel good while communicating are directly related to oral hygiene. People who do not have a regular oral cleaning habit and do not clean their teeth after the foods they consume on a daily basis are likely to encounter teeth stains situation.

What causes teeth stains?

There are several reasons for teeth stains.

• Smoking and alcohol.
• Acidic foods and drinks.
• Insufficient dental care.
• Genetic dental problems.
• Erosion of tooth enamel due to the usage of the wrong toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Cracks on the outer part of the teeth due to various accidents.
• Consuming foods with a high coloring ratio (cherry, blueberry, etc.)
• Drinking too much coffee and tea causes teeth stains and discoloration.

What are the types of teeth discoloration? 

As we mentioned above, teeth stains can occur for various reasons. To determine the exact solution, we should identify the types of teeth discoloration.

• Discoloration due to surface of teeth: 

 It refers to the coloring that occurs with factors known as localized on the outer surface of the tooth.

• Remains of a dental structure (Nasmyth membrane): Remains of food, drinks, cigarettes, and tobacco products, wine, and dyed chemical products stick to the tooth surface, causing a change in tooth color.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Eating habits.
• Plaque accumulation.
• Bacteria.

• Discoloration due to inner parts of teeth: 

They are stains on the internal structure of the tooth due to antibiotics and harmful foods taken during the development period of the teeth. Teeth whitening methods must be applied to clean these tooth stains.

• Discoloration caused by systemic diseases.
• Staining after systemic absorption of chemicals.
• Medication usage causes teeth discoloration.

• Age-related discoloration: 

As the human age progresses, dentin apposition and calcified tooth tissues occurring in the tooth structure, as well as changes in the fluid exchange between the tooth core. These modifications cause the teeth to appear darker than before, affecting the light transmittance of the dentin (the core substance that forms the tooth) and enamel.

• Discoloration caused by local reasons: 

Teeth discoloration may occur due to several reasons, among which, bleeding in the pulp chamber, fragmentation of the pulp tissue, the drugs used during the dental canal treatment, and various restorative materials.

 This issue may also occur due to multiple unidentified causes.

• Discoloration caused by teeth decays: 

Tooth decay gives a white, opaque, or gray appearance. However, this situation will entirely disappear and returns to normal if the patient gets the proper cleaning and repair.

• Discoloration caused by chemical reactions:

 Staining of dental structures can be seen as a result of direct contact with metals, oxidation, or precipitation in blood and saliva. This type of color variation can range from gray to black.

Is it possible to remove teeth stains?

As we mentioned above, teeth stains and discoloration, have different reasons. Nevertheless, teeth whitening procedures and whitening products are an effective treatment to remove surface stains easily.

What can you do to get rid of stains?

Luckily, dental problems have always hyper efficient solutions. Most of them are budget-friendly but also provide prominent results.

• Power Bleaching: Power Bleaching is performed in an hour in the dentist’s room. It is the fastest, reliable, and effective whitening system, which consists of whitening gel and light, which can lighten the tooth color 3-4 tones in a short time.
• Home Bleaching: It is a bleaching process performed by putting gels into plastic mouthpieces specially prepared with a simple measurement taken orally. You can achieve the desired whitening in an average of 5-7 days. You need to wear it between 4 to 8 hours a day (may vary depending on color and gel).

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

All whitening gels cause more or fewer teeth sensitivity. This sensitivity to cold-hot drinks and air may cause discomfort. This is a usual and expected side effect of the application.

If the sensitivity does not disappear within 24-48 hours, it may be necessary to discontinue the use of bleaching.

In case of sensitivity, the fluoride applied by your dentist and the toothpaste or creams recommended to you will reduce this tooth sensitivity. You can also use toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity.

Does teeth bleaching last forever?

Teeth whose stains are removed and bleached with the whitening method can remain white for a long time. The main factor affecting the whiteness of teeth is that the patients do not forget dental care. To prolong the teeth whitening effect, patients must pay attention to the food they eat, avoid smoking, and using correct dental products.

If you are seeking dental treatment and you want to learn more about teeth stains and discolorations, you can fill in the form on our website or call Kings Dental Clinic.