Nothing says confidence like a radiant and healthy smile. Sometimes, however, you may find yourself hiding your smile because of tooth stains. If this is you, you’re not alone. Tooth stains are a common problem many Australians face, and they can arise for various reasons. 

We’re here to help you understand the causes behind teeth staining and how you can restore your dazzling smile to its full glory. 

Types of Tooth Discolouration 

Tooth discolouration can be classified into two main types: 

Extrinsic Stains

These stains occur on the surface of the tooth. The most common causes of extrinsic tooth staining are pigmented residue from food and drinks like coffee, wine and beetroot, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and tobacco use. Since extrinsic stains affect only the tooth enamel, removing them is easier!  

Intrinsic Stains 

Intrinsic stains develop below the tooth’s enamel, making them a little tricky to remove.  Causes of intrinsic staining are factors such as hard brushing or tooth erosion and decay.

Common Causes Tooth Stains

Understanding the causes of tooth stains is important for both prevention and treatment. Common causes include: 

• Pigmented food and drinks – Teeth staining can result from the foods and drinks you love. Your favourite drinks like coffee, tea and red wine, along with foods like berries, curry and beetroots, are the most common culprits. Acidic food and drinks can cause discolouration, too. 
• Poor oral hygiene – Skipping and ignoring your oral hygiene routine can lead to plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, causing tooth discolouration. Daily brushing and flossing are important in keeping stains and dental problems away. 
• Smoking – Adding to the list of health reasons to quit smoking is teeth staining. Both smoking and tobacco chewing can cause stains and also lead to many other dental problems, such as gum disease and oral cancer. 
• Trauma or disease – Injuries or trauma to your teeth can result in them darkening or turning grey.  Tooth discolouration can also be a side effect of certain medications such as antihistamines and high blood pressure drugs or medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. 
• Aging – Even if you take good care of your oral health, aging can affect the appearance and health of your teeth, causing your teeth to lose their radiance. Gradual tooth wear, or the erosion of your enamel, exposes the yellow dentine layer, which is a major cause of tooth discolouration. 

How to Prevent Teeth Staining 

1. Remember, if food and drinks can stain your clothes or tongue, they can also stain your teeth. So, limit the consumption of highly pigmented food and beverages. 
2. Use a straw when consuming drinks with strong pigments to avoid staining the front surface of your teeth. 
3. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming pigmented food and drinks. 
4. Maintain good oral hygiene. You know the drill – brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily.  
5. Quit smoking to prevent teeth staining and improve overall health. 
6. Check for side effects of the medication you take and explore alternative options with your dentist or doctor. 
7. Visit the dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months. 

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments at With U Dental 

Do you need a little extra help whitening your teeth? The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly dental professionals. At With U Dental, we’ve got you covered with the perfect solutions to restore your smile’s sparkle. Our teeth whitening treatment options include:

Take-Home Whitening Kits 

Get a brighter smile in the comfort of your home and the convenience of doing it in your own time. Our take-home whitening kits are the perfect solution for you. With these kits, you can easily transform your smile and achieve long-lasting results.

Our take-home whitening kits include: 

• A custom-designed whitening tray tailored to your teeth. This ensures that the whitening gel is evenly distributed across all your teeth. 
• High-quality whitening gel from the leading brand Boutique Whitening to provide excellent results and minimise tooth sensitivity. 

These kits also come in various formulas, allowing you to choose when you want to whiten your teeth, whether during the day or overnight, according to your lifestyle. When you visit our dental practice, our dentists will provide crystal-clear instructions to ensure the best results. 

In-Chair Teeth Whitening 

If you’re looking for faster results, our in-chair whitening treatment might be a better fit for you. With this solution, you can leave the clinic with a smile that’s several shades brighter in just one hour.  All you have to do is kick back, relax and let our dental professionals work their magic on your teeth. 

If you have severe intrinsic stains that our teeth whitening treatments can’t address, you can also opt for cosmetic restorations at With U Dental. Dental veneers are a common dental restorative solution used to cover the front surface of your teeth. These thin shells, typically made of porcelain, can restore your radiant smile while covering imperfections like chips, cracks and gaps. That’s not all. These veneers are custom-made to match the shape, size and shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless finish. 

If you are still deciding on which is the best teeth whitening option for you, our team is here to help. We will assess your needs and preferences, allowing you to choose the right teeth-whitening solution. With our professional whitening treatments, dental restorations and exceptional dental care, you can now achieve that bright, white smile you’ve always wanted. 

Schedule a consultation with our friendly team at With U Dental to achieve a radiant smile.