What Is a Dental Stain and How Do You Fix It?

It may surprise you to learn that over half of all Americans feel insecure about the appearance of their teeth. One of the top reasons that people don’t like their smiles is dental staining. 

But what is a dental stain, and how can you get rid of one? Let’s discuss. Read on to learn all about preventing and fixing yellow teeth.

What Causes a Dental Stain?

A dental stain is just tooth discoloration. There are plenty of things that can cause tooth stains. 

For most people, staining comes from the various food and drinks that they consume. Eating things like brightly-colored berries will stain your teeth over time, as will drinking things like wine and coffee.

Stains can also come from tobacco products. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco will stain your teeth if you use them often enough. These stains are often darker and more difficult to get rid of than food stains.

Your teeth will also stain over time, even with proper care. It’s normal for older adults to have slightly yellowed teeth. Tooth discoloration is nothing to be ashamed of.

Options for Restoring Dental Stains

So what if you want brighter teeth? How can you get rid of those pesky dental stains? You have a few options.

Your first option is going to be tooth whitening. You can do this either at home or at the dentist’s office, but for significant stains, we recommend seeing the dentist above all else.

The dentist may also give you a professional-quality at-home teeth whitening kit. 

At the actual dentist’s office, the dentist will apply a gel to the patient’s teeth and protect their gums. After that, they’ll use a special light to “bleach” the teeth. The patient should leave with much brighter teeth. 

For significant dental stains, teeth whitening treatment might not be enough. In that case, dental veneers are a good option.

The dentist will file down the patient’s teeth to make them “stickier.” They’ll then place tooth-shaped shields over the teeth. Those shields (the veneers) become the patient’s visible teeth.

Even the most stubborn stains can be covered by dental veneers. They’ll give you a real Hollywood smile. 

Check out “What Are Porcelain Veneers” for more information.

Preventing Future Dental Stains 

So once your teeth are nice and white, how can you prevent future stains?

First, keep in mind that even if you have veneers, you can still get dental stains. You also can’t professionally whiten your veneers, so please take good care of them.

Avoid any foods or drinks that could potentially stain your teeth. You don’t have to omit them from your diet completely, but rinse your mouth with water when you’re done eating or drinking them.

Take good care of your oral hygiene. Make sure that you’re brushing at least twice per day, and brush soon after you drink or eat staining drinks or foods.

Get Rid of Pesky Tooth Stains

A dental stain is nothing to be embarrassed about, but if you want to fix (or prevent) it, keep this guide in mind. Avoid staining foods and drinks, take good care of your oral health, and make sure to visit a professional if you want your smile to look whiter!

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