If you notice, people with unsightly teeth that do not like to talk, smile, or participate in conversations it can be because they are ashamed of their teeth or they just do not want to be made fun of. Teeth stains and discoloration can make for quite an embarrassing situation, but they can get help.

Teeth Stains Typically Come In Two Types

Extrinsic and intrinsic stains are the two types of teeth discoloration. Stains that appear on the outer layer of the teeth, caused by smoking, dark foods and drinks, and just the daily wear and tear are called extrinsic stains. Minor stains that can easily be removed by daily brushing and the use of whitening toothpastes. Intrinsic stains that are more difficult to remove, however the teeth can be bleached using teeth whitening products such as strips, gels, and trays.

Intrinsic stains, meanwhile, form on the teeth interior. These can be a result of aging, trauma, exposure to minerals, or excessive use of fluoride. Deep-set intrinsic stains should be removed either with an in-office teeth whitening treatment or a supervised take-home teeth whitening product such as a whitening tray.

The Causes of Tooth Stains

Food and drinks – Red wine, coffee, tea, soda, and dark colored fruits are just some of the many types of teeth-staining foods and drinks. Aging – Teeth darken as we age due to stain accumulation and daily wear and tear. Thinness and translucency – These genetic traits cause the teeth to appear yellow. Smoking – Nicotine stain teeth by leaving brownish deposits into the structure of the teeth. Trauma – falls and other types of physical injuries can produce cracks in the teeth, where debris can accumulate and cause stains.

Teeth Whitening Options

Over-the-Counter Products – These take-home whitening products include whitening trays, strips, gels, toothpastes, and rinses. Toothpastes and rinses contain mild abrasive, which scrub off surface stains while the other products contain bleaching agents. Home Remedies – One of the most popular home remedies for teeth whitening is the use of baking soda mixed with a ripe crushed strawberry. This mixture is placed on the surface of the teeth. In-Office Whitening – The dentist’s clinic is one of the places you can go to if you want to have your teeth whitened. Dentists apply high-concentration peroxide gel on the patient’s teeth. They may use a light or laser to activate the bleaching process.

Maintaining Your White Teeth

Yes, teeth stains can be an annoying problem but it is fortunate that there are now ways people can do to improve the appearance of their teeth so they can start feeling good about themselves. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that cause teeth stains. If possible, sip dark-colored beverage with a straw. Brush and floss daily after you wake up and before you sleep, and if you eat and or drink teeth-staining foods and drinks.

Jane Pennington is the owner of www.teethwhiteningsmiles.com, and has been providing teeth whitening services and information since 2000 (ph. 800-700-3173).