Do you have dull or yellow teeth? We treat discolored teeth in our Edmonton, AB, dental office. Our dental team will find the best option to help you get a brighter smile. Discolored teeth are a common cosmetic dental concern that we treat at Hermitage Dental.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
Tooth stains can happen for many reasons. Some are on the outside of the tooth, while others come from inside the tooth. Here are the main causes of tooth discoloration:
- Food and Drinks
- Tobacco Use
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Aging
- Medications or Medical Conditions
- Fluorosis
- Injuries or Tooth Damage
No matter the cause of your discolored teeth, our dentists will find the right treatment to help you get whiter teeth.
Types of Tooth Stains: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic
Extrinsic stains are the stains that affect the outside surface of your teeth, also called the enamel. These are the most common type of stains and are usually caused by things you eat or drink. Some common causes of extrinsic stains include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Soda and sports drinks
- Dark-colored fruits like blueberries
- Smoking or using tobacco
These stains build up over time and can make your teeth look yellow or brown. The good news is that extrinsic stains usually respond well to teeth whitening treatments, especially professional cleanings and whitening done at your dentist’s office.
Intrinsic stains are deeper and affect the inside of your tooth, known as the dentin. These stains can happen for several reasons:
- Tooth injuries
- Too much fluoride during childhood
- Certain medications like tetracycline
- Aging, as the enamel wears down and the yellowish dentin shows more
Intrinsic stains are harder to remove because they are inside the tooth, not just on the surface. Whitening treatments may not work as well on these stains. In some cases, our dentist may recommend other cosmetic treatments like bonding, veneers, or crowns to cover the stained teeth and improve your smile.
How We Treat Discolored Teeth in Edmonton, AB
At Hermitage Dental, we understand that every patient is different. We begin with a full exam to find out what’s causing your tooth stains. Then, we help you choose the treatment that’s best for your smile. Here are some of the most common options we offer:
In-Office Teeth Whitening
This is one of the fastest and most effective ways to brighten your smile. Our in-office whitening treatment uses a special gel with professional-strength ingredients that safely lift stains from the surface of your teeth. Many patients see results after just one visit!
This treatment works best for stains caused by food, drinks, or tobacco. In-office whitening can make a big difference if your teeth are dull or yellow from everyday habits.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding may be a good choice if you have deeper stains that don’t respond well to whitening. In this treatment, we use a tooth-colored resin material to cover the stained area. Bonding is also great for fixing chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth.
Bonding is quick, affordable, and looks very natural. It’s often done in just one visit.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that cover the front of your teeth. They are custom-made to match your smile and can hide stains, chips, or uneven teeth. Veneers are a great option if your stains are deep or if you want to completely change the look of your smile. Because veneers are strong and stain-resistant, they’re a long-lasting way to improve discolored teeth.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown might be the best choice if a tooth is severely stained or damaged. A crown covers the entire tooth, not just the front like a veneer. Crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain and can improve the tooth’s appearance and function.
How to Keep Your Teeth Bright
Caring for your teeth and gums daily can prevent new stains and keep your teeth fresh and bright. Here are some helpful tips to maintain your white teeth:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Brushing and flossing your teeth is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy and bright. Brush your teeth at least two times a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque that can stain your teeth over time.
Flossing is just as important as brushing. Floss once a day to remove food and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! Your tongue can hold bacteria that cause bad breath and stains.
Be Careful with Staining Foods and Drinks
Some of your favorite foods and drinks might be causing stains. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas can stain your teeth over time. So can foods like tomato sauce, soy sauce, and berries.
You don’t have to give these up completely, but try to enjoy them in moderation. Drinking through a straw can help reduce the contact these drinks have with your teeth. Also, try to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after eating or drinking something that might cause stains.
Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco
Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are one of the biggest causes of yellow and brown stains on teeth. These stains can be very hard to remove and make your smile look dull and unhealthy.
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your teeth, gums, and overall health. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or dentist.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables can actually help clean your teeth as you eat them! Crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery gently scrub your teeth and remove plaque buildup. They also help increase saliva flow, which is your mouth’s natural way of cleaning itself.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking fresh between dental visits. These toothpastes contain mild abrasives that gently polish your teeth and lift stains from the enamel.
But some whitening toothpastes can be too harsh if used every day, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist about which type of whitening toothpaste is best for you and how often you should use it.
See Our Dentist Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your teeth bright and healthy is to visit our office for regular cleanings and checkups. We recommend coming in every six months for a professional cleaning. During these visits, we remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t reach at home.
Our dentist will also check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems. If you’ve had whitening or cosmetic dental treatments, we can let you know if you need touch-up whitening.
Schedule an Appointment
Call to treat discolored teeth in Edmonton, AB at 587-806-4168. You can also request an appointment with our expert dentists online.