Stained teeth

Teeth become discolored naturally as people age, however genetics, lifestyle habits and health can affect the whiteness of teeth. Tooth enamel is sensitive and drinking strongly colored beverages such as tea, coffee and red wine can darken the enamel. Nicotine in cigarettes sticks to tooth enamel and many smokers find their teeth a darker shade. Enamel that is chipped or fractured will absorb more of the discoloration, leaving your teeth looking yellow and stained. Teeth appear opaque due to the reflective properties of the enamel itself. As the enamel thins with age, teeth begin to reflect more of the inner tooth tissue and gradually loose their whiteness. Excess fluoride and the use of certain medication can also cause discoloration of teeth. 

Solutions for stained teeth

To keep teeth shiny and white, regular dental cleaning and a deep-root scale and polish by a dental hygienist will remove built up plaque and bacteria and prevent teeth discoloring. If regular cleaning does not remove stains or patients want to achieve a Hollywood smile, dentists have various tooth whitening options to cosmetically enhance the appearance of teeth.

In-office bleaching

Using a highly concentrated peroxide gel applied to the tooth and left for 15 minutes, dentists provide a higher strength bleaching treatment than can be bought for home-bleaching to leave your teeth whiter.

Laser whitening

Tooth whitening with laser can enhance the whiteness of your teeth dramatically in just one treatment. Dentists apply a high concentration bleach to teeth and a laser is then shone onto the teeth to speed up the bleaching process and produce better results. 

Related guides

• Tooth Decay
• Missing teeth
• Chipped/ broken teeth
• Dental Abscesses
• Stained teeth
• Jaw pain

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Teeth whitening
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Dental Crowns
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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