Many of your daily lifestyle habits can impact how your teeth look. What you eat or drink and even the medications you take can dull your smile. Stained teeth can be unsightly and embarrassing, making you self-conscious about your appearance. They can also make you look older. With the help of teeth whitening services, you can enjoy a bright, beautiful smile once again.
At Dental Designs of Maryland-Hanover, we understand the importance maintaining white teeth can have on your overall well-being. We offer premier teeth whitening services and cosmetic dentistry procedures in Hanover, MD. Contact us online or call us today at 443.733.6879 to schedule a consultation so we can customize a treatment plan that will get you back to feeling confident about your smile.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
Before you learn how to get rid of stained teeth, it is important to understand how your teeth can become stained in the first place. Teeth stains can be caused by habits, dental work, injuries, illnesses, and medications. They are divided into two types of stains, which are intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic stains can appear as white or brown spots on the teeth or a grayish-brown discoloration.
These types of stains occur in the inner layer of the tooth and may be caused by:
- Demineralization
- Dental fluorosis
- Illness during tooth development
- Injury to the mouth
- Fillings leaching out into the enamel
- Hormonal changes
- Tetracycline
Extrinsic stains can appear as a yellow, brown, orange, black, or green cast on the teeth. These types of stains occur on the outermost layer of the tooth and may be caused by:
- Coffee or tea
- Cola
- Wine
- Berries
- Tobacco
- Poor dental hygiene
Intrinsic stains can be more problematic as they do not respond well to teeth whitening services. People with stained teeth caused by food or beverages often see the best results from standard teeth whitening methods.
How to Get Rid of Stained Teeth
There are various options for keeping your smile whiter and brighter. First, you can adopt some lifestyle habits to prevent stained teeth. The best ways to keep your teeth looking their best are to:
- Practice good dental hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily and use a mouthwash.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages that can stain teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming foods or beverages known to stain teeth.
- Refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products.
- Get regular dental cleanings approximately every six months.
Next, you need to know how to get rid of stained teeth if you already have discoloration. Even with the best of habits, your teeth can become duller than you would like over time. Some helpful ways to address stained teeth include:
- Use whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental care products that feature peroxide and baking soda.
- Use tooth whitening strips.
- Use home tooth whitening treatments.
- Get professional teeth whitening services at your local dental office.
The most dramatic results will typically come from a professional whitening procedure since your dentist has access to more powerful whitening products.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Intrinsic Stains?
If intrinsic factors caused your stained teeth, are you stuck with a less than sparkling smile? Not at all, because there are some options that can help you enjoy brighter, whiter teeth, such as:
- Bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
- White composite fillings
These cosmetic dentistry procedures replace or cover stains that cannot be addressed through traditional teeth whitening services.
Brighten Stained Teeth at Dental Designs of Maryland-Hanover
At Dental Designs of Maryland-Hanover, we understand the impact stained teeth can have on your self-esteem. Our family dental practice takes your concerns seriously and is dedicated to helping you achieve the bright, healthy smile you desire. Schedule a consultation at Dental Designs of Maryland-Hanover today by calling us at 443.733.6879 or filling out our online form.