You’re in safe hands here. This dental information has been medically reviewed by Australian dental surgeon Dr Aran Moorthy, BDS. Dr Moorthy has a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Read more about Dr Moorthy here >
Stained Teeth: Causes & Teeth Whitening Options
All of us succumb to tooth discolouration over time — it’s just a part of living, because all foods and drinks stain our teeth to a greater or lesser degree. But fortunately, there are excellent options available to whiten your teeth. Most of the time, concerns around tooth discolouration are cosmetic in nature, but sometimes, they can also indicate underlying dental issues. And this is why it’s good to have a dental professional assess your teeth.
However, while you wait for your professional appointment, it can help to know the causes and available treatments for stained teeth so you can maintain a brighter smile. Let’s take a closer look!
What Causes Tooth Staining?
Tooth staining can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle choices, age, medications, and dental conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of stained teeth.
1. Foods and Drinks
Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine are the biggest culprits behind stained teeth. These drinks contain chromogens—pigmented molecules that adhere to tooth enamel, darkening its appearance over time.
2. Tobacco Use
Smoking or chewing tobacco introduces tar and nicotine to your teeth. Tar is naturally dark, and nicotine turns yellowish when exposed to oxygen, both contributing to noticeable tooth discolouration.
3. Ageing
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel naturally thins, exposing the yellowish dentine underneath. This process can make teeth appear darker over time.
4. Medications
Certain medications, especially when taken during tooth development, can lead to intrinsic staining. For example:
o Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline, taken during pregnancy or early childhood, can cause long-term tooth discoloration.
o Other drugs, including some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications, may also contribute.
5. Trauma
Physical injury to a tooth can stimulate additional dentine production, resulting in a darker appearance. Trauma may also cause internal bleeding within the tooth, which can also lead to discolouration.
6. Environmental Factors
- Extrinsic Staining: Stains on the outer surface of teeth can result from tea, coffee, red wine, smoking, or environmental exposure, like swimming for extended periods in chlorinated pools.
- Intrinsic Staining: Stains within the tooth can result from trauma, medications, amalgam fillings, or previous dental procedures like root canal treatment.
Treatment Options for Stained Teeth
To determine the best treatment approach, it’s important to understand whether your stains are ‘extrinsic’ (external) or ‘intrinsic’ (internal).
Extrinsic Stains (external stains)
• Whitening Toothpaste: these products at designed to combat surface stains, and can help with mild discolouration.
• Professional Dental Cleaning: your dentist can remove stubborn surface stains with the right professional tools and techniques.
• Teeth Whitening Treatments: there are some excellent whitening treatments available (both in-chair and at home), which are performed or overseen by dental professionals to offer more dramatic results.
Intrinsic Stains (internal stains)
• Internal Bleaching: This treatment is specifically for teeth that have become discoloured due to trauma or root canal treatments. Here’s how it works:
o A dental professional places a whitening gel inside the tooth where the nerve was previously located.
o The gel remains inside for several days to lighten the tooth from the inside out.
o The process may need to be repeated for optimal results.
o After whitening, the tooth is restored with a filling and sometimes a crown or veneer for additional protection.
• Other Cosmetic Options: For persistent intrinsic stains, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers or dental crowns to cover the discolouration and improve the appearance of your smile.
Talk to a professional today
The most effective methods for teeth whitening depend on the underlying cause. At Oxford Street Dental, our experienced practitioners can accurately diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution for you.
If you’d like whiter teeth, book an appointment at Oxford Street Dental today on (08) 9201 9886. Together, we can explore the best options for your needs and budget to achieve the whiter smile you’ve always wanted.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.