The two categories of staining, intrinsic, which is staining from within the tooth structure affecting dentin, and extrinsic staining, which occurs on the surface of teeth and outer layers of enamel, sometimes work simultaneously. And there are a number of factors that play into stained teeth that can be considered to avoid staining before it starts.

Excessive use of Fluoride can lead to a condition known as tooth enamel fluorosis, which ranges from faint white lines or streaks on the teeth to brown markings. Sometimes, in the overuse of Fluoride, enamel may become pitted, making it harder to keep teeth clean.

Some antibiotic drugs can also cause discoloration, such as tetracycline, which, if used during the period of tooth formation, can leave teeth stained. However, the staining and discoloration from certain antibiotics varies from drugs and individuals.

Trauma from physical injury is also widely known to cause discoloration. Violent or disruptive actions can usually case a hemorrhage inside the pulp chamber of a tooth forcing excess blood into the dentinal tubules of the dentin and tooth enamel. The discoloration from trauma will usually start out pinkish and, overtime, will turn brownish or even black. In severe cases, the tooth can even be destroyed.

Age and heredity are the most natural forms of discoloration. Through age, degeneration of the pulp, a soft tissue made up of arteries, nerves and veins, can occur as the tissue begins to function improperly, producing a grayish-brown color in the teeth. But this can be avoided with thorough dental care and careful attention to cracked, split or fractured teeth. Naturally, as you get older, the enamel of your teeth begins to thin and eventually exposes the underlying layer of yellowish dentin. Hereditary conditions or illness such as porphyria, phenylketonuria, amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta and enamel hypoplasiaci can case also discolored teeth.

Gold, silver and white fillings and porcelain or composite resin teeth restoration procedures are also known to discolor teeth. And the most popular way to stain teeth is through the use of staining substances such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco; coffee, tea and soda; and red wine and certain fruit juices. A good way to know if what you’re consuming will stain you teeth: consider what would happen if that same substance was spilled or smeared on your carpeting or clothing.

To treat your stained teeth, a number of solutions are available, but consultation is recommended before buying over the counter products. At Gateway Dental, Dr. Bobby Grossi is certified and well experienced in dental whitening and can provide a variety of insight and options to solve your problem. It’s important to consult with a dentist before doing any whitening on your own, as the strength of your teeth my play a factor is what options are best for you.

Laser teeth whitening may be an option to consider because it’s fast, safe and painless and, in most cases, takes only an hour. After thoroughly cleaning your teeth of all plaque and tartar, a dentist should apply a gel and penetrated the treatment with a laser to result in shades six to 10 times whiter than before. How much does laser teeth whitening cost? About $395. However, different treatments vary in cost.

To do your teeth whitening at home, your dentist can either prescribe you a kit or you can purchase an over the counter product. Most at home teeth whitening kits include trays to be worn over night and take approximately two to three weeks. Following the directions precisely is very important, however, and an at home kit will cost about $150.

Gateway Dental offers a White for Life program. When you purchase the upper and lower trays for $150 and keep up with cleanings every 6 months, you will recieve a free tube of whitener for life.