Tooth discoloration has many causes. Also, professional dentists classify the stains as either external or internal. More so, how they handle the stains largely depends on the cause. On the other hand, knowing what causes each type of stain can help you prevent them, treat them, and protect yourself from getting the stains again. Here is everything you need to know about extrinsic and intrinsic stains and how to deal with them with the help of a dentist.

The Differences in Appearance

Extrinsic stains on the teeth have a distinctive appearance from intrinsic ones. This is because the external type is yellowish and spreads all over the surface. On the other hand, the internal stain can be a small dark dot localized to a small portion of the tooth. In most cases, external stains are caused by drinking pigmented beverages such as berries, coffee, and red wine. Alternatively, internal stains occur deep inside the tooth and result from different factors. For example, you might experience this issue due to over-exposure to fluoride and certain diseases. Note that your best bet in dealing with tooth stains is to visit a cosmetic dentist.

How to Whiten External Stains

You can alter the color of your teeth at home or in a dentist's office. That said, you can prevent some external stains by rinsing your mouth with water every time you eat or drink something with a dark pigment. More so, over-the-counter treatments for these stains will work as long as you follow the dosage. Alternatively, the dentist can use laser therapy to whiten your teeth in the office. You should know that the benefit of letting the dentist do it is that you will minimize the chances of complications like over-sensitivity.

Dealing with Intrinsic Stains

The dentist takes different approaches when dealing with intrinsic stains. Moreover, they may recommend veneers and dental crowns if they cannot reach or resolve the cause through laser treatment. In this case, a veneer is a shell-like covering placed over the stained tooth to hide it. Even better is that this method helps prevent further staining and damage.

Preventing Recurrence

After whitening your teeth, you should worry about the recurrence of the stains. Furthermore, few people realize that teeth might weaken as you continue eroding them with whitening chemicals. As such, limiting foods that might force you to repeat the whitening procedure is best. Also, better dental hygiene, like brushing and avoiding sugary or starchy foods, will help solve the problem.

Talk to your cosmetic dentist about your stains and determine whether they are extrinsic or internal. They can also help diagnose the cause and recommend the best course of treatment. Note that the problem is easy to resolve when you have the information about the cause, treatment, and care to prevent a recurrence. For more information about cosmetic dentistry, reach out to a local clinic.

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