Stained and Discolored Teeth
Why Tooth Discoloration Matters
The appearance of your teeth has a direct impact on your confidence, and when stains or discoloration affect your smile, it’s natural to feel self-conscious. At Powell Valley Dental, we understand how emotional the experience can be and are committed to helping you restore your smile’s brightness. Discoloration can appear as subtle yellowing or deeper gray or brown shades and may result from surface-level staining or internal changes within the tooth. During your consultation, our dental team will carefully evaluate the source of the staining and create a personalized plan to help you feel proud of your smile again.
Understanding the Causes of Tooth Stains
Tooth discoloration is typically categorized into two types: extrinsic stains, which affect the outer enamel, and intrinsic stains, which originate inside the tooth. Extrinsic stains are commonly caused by foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauces, as well as tobacco use and poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to build up. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, can develop due to childhood use of certain antibiotics like tetracycline, dental trauma, or natural aging, which thins the enamel and exposes the yellowish dentin beneath. Recognizing the type of stain is essential for selecting the most effective treatment.
How We Prevent and Treat Stained Teeth
Maintaining a bright smile starts with consistent oral hygiene, routine cleanings, and avoiding common stain-causing habits. While professional cleanings can remove many surface stains, deeper discoloration may require cosmetic treatments such as professional whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain crowns. At Powell Valley Dental, we assess each patient’s condition individually and recommend the most effective solution based on the cause and depth of the stain. Whether you're looking to reverse years of staining or simply prevent future discoloration, we offer both restorative and preventive solutions to help your smile shine.
