Health Article

Teeth Staining: Prevention and Treatment

Nothing conveys confidence and beauty like a bright white smile. But over time, your smile may become dull or even yellow from smoking, coffee, acidic foods and other lifestyle factors.

There are two types of tooth staining: Intrinsic stains occur within the structure of the tooth, while Extrinsic stains discolor the surface enamel.

Intrinsic stains are caused by:

• Aging
• Defects within the tooth
• Use of certain antibiotics and other medications

Extrinsic stains often come from:

• Tobacco products
• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Colored juices
• Curry
• Soy
• Cola drinks
• Minerals in well water

To avoid staining, schedule regular dental cleanings twice a year. Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste, and avoid some of the substances listed above. Talk to your doctor when medications are prescribed to determine whether there are any dental side effects.

If your teeth are already discolored, don’t despair. Many products have been developed to whiten and brighten teeth. Be aware, though, that most over-the-counter whitening agents aren’t strong enough to whiten stains that have been present over time.

If you’re interested in professional whitening, use the Dentist Search on www.myvenussmile.com to find a participating Venus member dentist in your area to try Venus® White FREE. Venus White is a professional, take-home whitening system from Heraeus, a leader in esthetic dental products.

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