How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
Do you need X-rays at every dental visit? Why do dentists administer them at all? Take a moment as we discuss the reasons for X-rays and how frequently you should have them to keep your mouth healthy.
The Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains
Your smile is one of the most noticeable facial features, so when it’s not white, people notice. Stained teeth are common, but what exactly causes those stains?
There are two different types of stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Each type affects your teeth in different ways. Both can be helped with professional whitening at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan in New York City.
Dr. Kenn Kakosian specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, Dr. Kakosian provides professional whitening services to get you the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
What causes stains on your teeth
Typically, your teeth are white when you’re young, but become increasingly discolored as you get older. With the proper care and diligence, you can potentially avoid stains on your teeth.
However, there are some things that cause teeth stains that you can’t always avoid, especially if you enjoy any of the following:
- Tobacco
- Soda
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Certain fruits
If you don’t take good care of your teeth, you may also end up with dental staining. Flossing and brushing regularly may help you keep your teeth nice and white.
Trauma is another reason you could have stains on your teeth. While enamel is developing, it can become stained from disease, illness, or injury to the teeth.
Medical treatments also sometimes cause tooth staining. This is especially true if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.
Intrinsic vs. extrinsic teeth stains
While it’s important to know what can stain your teeth, it’s also vital to understand the types of stains. There are two main forms of dental stains — intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic stains are those that are present under the surface of your teeth on the dentin. These stains are deeper within your tooth, making them harder to remove.
When you have intrinsic stains, particles get through the surface of your teeth and build up in the enamel. Fluoride use in children is one of the main causes of intrinsic tooth stains.
Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, are those that happen on the outer aspect of your teeth. The stain particles build up under the film that covers your enamel, causing discoloration.
Coffee, tea, soda, and tobacco are common causes of extrinsic tooth staining. These stains are easier to get rid of with good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
How can you get rid of your stains?
When your teeth are stained, you don’t feel your best. There are options, however, to help you achieve a whiter smile.
The best way to get healthier and whiter teeth is to practice good dental care. This means brushing your teeth everyday, at least twice a day and flossing regularly. However, this doesn’t always completely get rid of either type of stain.
The best way to avoid extrinsic stains on your teeth is to limit the things that cause these types of stains. This means you should avoid smoking or chewing tobacco and any food or drink that causes discoloration of your teeth.
Even with the best dental hygiene and avoiding certain foods, your teeth may still have stains. This is where Dr. Kakosian can help. If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, he offers professional whitening options to help.
Dr. Kakosian provides both in-office whitening and take-home whitening trays to give you the most convenient plan for your busy life. These are both better options than over-the-counter whiteners, because of the concentration of the bleaching agent.
No matter what type of stains are affecting your teeth and self confidence, our team provides you with treatments for a whiter smile.
If you’re looking to improve the color of your smile, don’t hesitate to call our office in Midtown East, Manhattan today at 716-350-0665, or book a consultation using our online scheduling tool.
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