Problems We Treat: Stained Teeth Treatment Coeur d’Alene

What if you have stained teeth in Coeur d’Alene?

Did you know that Americans spend nearly $2 billion dollars each year trying to whiten their teeth? If you want to remove teeth stains, or if the over the counter or other teeth whitening home remedies haven’t produced ideal results, talk to our dentists. The DIY remedies don’t work for everyone and can also cause severe tooth sensitivity.

What causes stained teeth in CDA?

Foods

Teeth staining and dark spots are often caused by external factors like the foods and condiments you eat. These may include soy sauce, red and white wine, tomato sauce, mustard, berries, tea, coffee, soda or anything with artificial dyes.

Nicotine

Tobacco products can damage the health and appearance of your smile. Nicotine combines with oxygen, turning yellow. Over time, it can stain your enamel, causing yellow or brown spots and streaks.

Medication & Genetics

Some medications have been known to cause tooth staining. It’s also been shown that ingesting large amounts of fluoride (common among children) can result in brown dental stains. Additionally, genetics can affect your teeth - you may have darker teeth or thin enamel that stains easily.

Is it bad to have stained teeth?

Surface stains (extrinsic stains) aren’t bad for your health, as they are a cosmetic/aesthetic issue. However, deeper stains (intrinsic stains) can be a dental health concern. If you have stained teeth, it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups so your CDA dentist can monitor your dental health and make sure your discolored teeth aren’t putting you at risk.

Types of Tooth Stains

1. Extrinsic Stains – these are superficial stains that are on the surface of the teeth. They appear yellow and spread out over your entire smile.
2. Intrinsic Stains – these stains affect the dentin (tissue between the enamel and pulp) of your teeth. They often appear to be small and very dark or very light stains.

Do you have to give up coffee?

Although eliminating coffee, tea, and other dark beverages from your diet can prevent discolored teeth, it may not be a practical (or desirable) solution. Here are other ways you can keep your teeth white without having to give up your favorite beverages.

• Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily
• Use a straw when drinking cold/iced beverages like iced tea or pop
• Invest in an electric toothbrush
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee, tea, wine, or soda
• If possible, add milk to your drink, as the compounds in milk products neutralize acids that can stain tooth enamel

Fixing Stained Teeth Coeur d’Alene

Surface stains are easily removed with our professional teeth whitening treatments. We offer in-office and take-home whitening options to meet your needs. To remove deep stains from teeth (intrinsic stains), it will depend on your unique situation. You may consider options like veneers, crowns, root canals, or fillings.

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