You might be wondering why your teeth are pigmented even though you brush and floss your teeth daily. Although bad oral hygiene is often mentioned as the common cause of tooth discolorations among patients, other factors could lead you to develop dental stains. This article will mention various types of dental crowns, dental stains, their causes, and how to prevent them.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used for dental restorations that are surgically placed on damaged teeth or implants to improve their strength and functionality. A Scottsdale dentist may recommend removing the discoloration through dental crowns when a patient has severely stained teeth.
We recommend you get dental crowns if your teeth are stained and have signs of wear, cracking, or any other structural damage to shield your teeth from decay and infections.
What Are Dental Stains?
Dental stains are discolorations, which can be yellow or brownish depending on how severe the stains have spread inside the tooth. Dental stains occur due to the accumulation of pigmented food particles in the protein layer covering the tooth enamel. Though less common in dental crowns, porcelain crowns may stain if damaged. Therefore, patients with porcelain crowns should avoid using highly abrasive toothpaste products since they can erode the outer protective layer of crowns.
Types of Dental Stains
Anyone can develop dental stains. However, research shows that people with poor oral hygiene are more likely to get tooth discolorations. Furthermore, some food items such as coffee, red wine, and tea can make it easier for stains to form on or inside your teeth. There are 3 common types of tooth stains:
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
Dental stains can occur in or outside the tooth surface. For extrinsic teeth stains, the discolorations tend to appear on the tooth surface. This happens when colored particles from food or beverages form on the outer layer of the tooth enamel.
Most extrinsic stains are caused by the prolonged use of tobacco products and regular consumption of acidic food and drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine. Fortunately, extrinsic dental stains are easy to treat. To reduce the chances of developing this type of dental stain, ensure you practice good oral hygiene and go for regular dental checkups in a dental clinic near you.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
An intrinsic stain is a type of dental stain that forms beneath your tooth surface. It occurs when colored food particles penetrate the outer shell of your tooth, leading to stains forming around the tooth enamel. Research carried out discovered most cases of intrinsic stains in young patients occurred due to unregulated use of fluoride.
Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove compared to extrinsic stains. We will use teeth whitening products, dental bleaching, and many other dental stain removal products at our disposal to ensure you end up with the best cosmetic results. Visit our dental office today for consultation and treatment of intrinsic dental stains.
Age-Related Teeth Stains
As you age, the yellow part of your dentin becomes more visible due to thinning of the tooth enamel. This also increases your chances of developing intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discolorations. If you keep using tobacco products in your senior age, your tooth will look very discolored and unattractive. It is, therefore, crucial you practice good oral hygiene and keep off tobacco products to ensure your teeth remain white and attractive for an extended period.
Will Smoking Stain My Crowns?
Dental crowns are made from porcelain material. Since porcelain crowns are tougher than natural teeth, they will not stain quite as easily. That being said, dental crowns are not entirely stain-proof. Regular consumption of acidic products like alcohol, tomatoes, coffee, red wine, and smoking can cause your porcelain crowns to stain easily.
How to Prevent Dental Stains
Use a straw when consuming colored beverages to reduce contact between your teeth and pigmented or acidic food.
Ensure you rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming acidic or pigmented food to prevent the particles from sticking to your tooth surface
Brush and floss regularly to remove any food particles that may have been left behind after rinsing.
Avoid smoking or using any other tobacco products
Go for regular dental checkups.
Conclusion
Dental staining can affect anyone regardless of age. However, smoking and regular intake of acidic food and beverages will significantly increase the chances of developing stains in your teeth and dental crowns. If you notice any discolorations on your crowns or teeth, visit Landmark Smiles of Scottsdale for treatment as soon as possible. We have modern facilities to ensure you get the best dental services in Scottsdale.