top of page

What Are Teeth Stains?

Very simply, the discoloration of your teeth due to a variety of factors. Teeth stains in Chicago IL can be broken down into two categories:

  • Extrinsic staining – Pigmented deposits found on the tooth surface that are caused by topical or external agents.

  • Intrinsic staining – Stains incorporated within the tooth structure.

What Causes Stained Teeth?

  • Extrinsic staining

    • Plaque

    • Calculus

    • Foods and beverages

    • Tobacco

    • Certain types of bacteria and topical medications

    • Enamel defects

    • Salivary dysfunction

    • Poor oral hygiene

  • Intrinsic Staining

    • Dental restorations (i.e. corroded amalgam)

    • Dental decay

    • Trauma to a tooth

    • Necrotic or infected nerve

    • Infections

    • Medications (i.e. Tetracycline)

    • Genetic defects

    • Hereditary diseases such as hypocalcification or fluorosis that affect dentin and enamel development

How Can My Dentist Help With Stained Teeth?

  • Extrinsic Staining:

    • Professional teeth cleaning – Keeping up with your regular recall appointments will help keep teeth stains to a minimum.

    • Professional whitening – We offer in-office, at-home and over the counter options to meet your needs. Read more about Teeth Whitening Options here!​​

  • Intrinsic Staining:

    • This type of stain requires permanent restoration – i.e., replacing an old amalgam filling or placing a new veneer/crown/etc.

    • In some cases of hypo calcification and fluorosis, microabrasion can be performed. When in conjunction with in-office whitening, desired results MAY be achieved. This depends on the depth of the tooth stain.

What can I do to prevent stained teeth?

  • Watch what you eat! Keep track of how much stain occurs how frequently with different foods/beverages and reduce consumption accordingly. Anything that can stain a white shirt can cause a tooth stain!

  • Rinse with water after consuming dark, sugary and acidic foods

  • Don’t smoke!

  • Consider shorter recalls – getting a professional cleaning more often can reduce your overall amount of stain.

  • Brushing at least 2 times a day- especially after consumption of staining agent. Consider an electric toothbrush!

  • Over the counter whitening products (whitening strips, toothpaste, rinses etc.) If you choose to use a whitening toothpaste, we recommend using a sensitive whitening toothpaste brand such as Sensodyne Whitening to prevent gum sensitivity and recession.

bottom of page