see the causes and how to treat this problem

Stained teeth can cause various damages, both aesthetic and functional. The yellowish or dark appearance of teeth can affect people’s self-esteem and confidence, making social and professional life difficult. In addition, the presence of stains can indicate oral health problems.

The lack of care for oral hygiene and exposure to stain-causing agents can exacerbate the problem. Some factors that contribute to this are:

• Drinks: coffee, tea, wine and cola drinks.
• Foods: pasta and/or potatoes, in teeth with poor oral hygiene, ferment creating conditions for color change.
• Fruits: the frequent consumption of fruits with strong colors, such as blackberries and pomegranates, contributes to the appearance of the problem.
• Spices: Turmeric and curry can help with staining.
• Smoke: in addition to being harmful to health, it also cooperates with the yellowing of teeth.
• Poor oral hygiene: the accumulation of bacterial plaque contributes to the problem.
• Medication/vitamin supplement: can change color and cause stains.
• Aging: over the years, the outer layer of enamel wears away, taking away its shine and vibrancy.
• Sports trauma/accident: “Tooth enamel is not fully formed until the age of eight, and if child going through trauma, such as bumping your mouth, can get spots. Another case is the sports injury. The impact decreases the blood flow that goes to the tooth, affecting the nerve and leading to this color change”, says surgeon-dentist Patrícia Almeida, specialist in oral rehabilitation and aesthetics.

Avoid Baking Soda and Activated Charcoal

He wants whiten teeth? Escape from both, they are abrasive and can wear down the enamel, with that, the second layer, which is the dentin, is also exposed. “As it is more porous, it can make them more yellowish and/or prone to stains. They can also become sensitized, porous and brittle”, explains Patrícia Almeida.

By the way, no homemade recipes. “I’ve seen people mixing citrus fruits, turmeric… It’s just a waste of time and money, because they can change the color and lead to sensitivity. The mouthwash with coconut oil, at most, can make the tooth brighter, but it won’t remove stains or lighten”, warns the creator of Odontologia Almeida.

Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an adequate treatment plan to improve the appearance of stained teeth and help regain confidence in your smile.

What you can do at the dentist’s clinic

Depending on the cause, different approaches can be used to treat stained teeth. To begin with, cleanliness can be indicated by the dentist. “It will help remove the plaque and, in a way, whiten it. There will be no change in color to white, but you will notice a difference, they are more polished and shiny”, argues the dentist, who is a member of the São Paulo Association of Dental Surgeons (APCD).

In-office bleaching with follow-up at home may also be indicated (when you use the gel and the tray). Or go through restorations, including the veneer application.

Habits against stains

It is important to adopt a good routine of oral hygiene to keep teeth healthy and prevent stains. “Properly clean your mouth daily, using a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. And change habits, such as quitting smoking, or avoiding/minimizing the consumption of food and drinks that cause the coloration. This will help a lot in preventing new stains and maintaining the cleaning/whitening you did in the office”, concludes Patrícia Almeida.

By Ana Marigliani