What Causes Staining on Your Pearly Whites?

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Teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic treatment options our KidsKare P.C. team offers for patients seeking whiter, brighter smiles.

Our experienced dental team has been helping patients in Las Cruces, and the neighboring communities of Alamogordo, Anthony, Carlsbad, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, and Roswell, New Mexico restore their smile’s vibrancy.

Do you ever wonder how teeth become stained, even when you brush and floss them daily? Let’s take a look at your teeth for a moment, shall we?

  • The outer covering on a tooth is known as the enamel. This material acquires its appearance as light is scattered and reflected off of the enamel along with the lower layer of dentin material beneath it.
  • Next, each person’s enamel is partially determined by genetics, as it affects the thickness and the smooth feel of the enamel. When your enamel is thin, the layer of dentin is more visible.
  • Your enamels texture also affects its appearance as its roughness or thickness determines how light is reflected off it.

Extrinsic stains: As you go about your day, a thin coating develops on your enamel which attracts stains from the foods and drinks you consume, as well as tobacco if you chew or smoke it. In addition, your tooth enamel can be a magnet for stains through pores in the enamel itself. Aging can affect your smile’s brightness as well, since the teeth slowly darken, whether from your eating habits or genetic disposition.

Intrinsic stains: The inside of the tooth can also have stains that show through your tooth enamel. These stains can occur from an excess of fluoride while the teeth are still developing when you are young. Taking antibiotics such as tetracycline can also stain a child’s teeth, both during pregnancy and before the child is eight years old (while the teeth are still growing). And finally, intrinsic stains can also be generated through trauma to the teeth.

Extrinsic stains on tooth enamel are the ones most successfully treated by teeth whitening. Our skilled dentists at any of our 8 locations in New Mexico, can help you visibly brighten your smile thanks to our professional teeth whitening treatment.

If you have stains or discoloration on your pearly whites, we invite you to give KidsKare P.C. a call at 575-532-5437 to find out more or to schedule a visit. We look forward to restoring your vibrant smile!