Bright, white, teeth are known to produce an “age-defying” effect, and may actually boost your self-confidence while improving others’ opinion of you. It is no surprise that professional teeth whitening has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with its long-lasting effects and affordability. However, some tooth stains may not respond to whitening agents, especially if the stains are considered internal. To ensure that your goals are within reach, discuss your options with your dentist, and he or she will develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs.

External Stains

The vast majority of dental stains that can be removed by whitening agents are caused by consuming food and drinks that contain dark, staining compounds (like tannins). Also known as chromogenic agents, these products deposit yellow, brown, or orange colors onto your tooth enamel. The severity of staining usually directly relates to how much and how often these products are consumed. A good rule of thumb is that any food or drink item that could stain your clothes, can also stain your teeth.

Systemic Exposure

Children that have been medicated with tetracycline during the years that their teeth are still developing, often incur a type of staining within their teeth, which appears as a yellow-brown color. It is not recommended that children under 8 years old, or pregnant women, receive tetracycline-based medications for this reason. Another systemic cause of tooth stains is the excessive ingestion of fluoride, or fluorosis. Although extremely beneficial for cavity prevention in normal doses, excess amounts of fluoride in children and adults can cause chalky-white spots, streaks, and even malformation of tooth surfaces.

Internal Stains

Teeth that have a history of trauma, or have some degree of nerve damage, typically darken to a brown, grey, or pink color. This is usually seen in individual teeth, and is a significant sign that treatment is necessary. Unfortunately, most internal stains cannot be whitened externally, and the tooth must undergo restorative therapy like a root canal or crown.

ABOUT YOUR CONROE DENTIST:

The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.