How to remove tooth stains

Extrinsic Stains on Teeth

Stains on teeth often look like dark spots and patches on the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth, and many patients often ask on how to remove them during their dental cleaning visit.

There are typically two types of stains, extrinsic and intrinsic stains.

1. Extrinsic Stains may be caused by repeated short term exposures to tea, coffee, blueberries, wine, and food condiments like ketchup and soy sauce.  They may look like dark black and brown patches on certain parts of the teeth's external surfaces.
2. Intrinsic Stains may be caused by the antibiotic tetracycline taken when the patient as a young child or repeated heavy long term smoking and tobacco habits.  It may also be a result of malformation during embryonic development.  These type of stains may present itself as a dark gray or red internal discoloration where the entire tooth is discolored, and may be very difficult or near impossible to remove.

If the stains are extrinsic they can usually be removed during the cleaning appointment.  The dental hygienist or dentist may use a combination of a high speed vibration tip with water, and hand instruments like a scaler to physically remove the stains.  Water is needed to help cool the high speed tip as it vibrates and removes the stained spots.  A low speed polish may also be used to help smooth the teeth and remove any loose "dark spots."  Minor stains may also be removed by trying an abrasive toothpaste such as whitening toothpaste.

Intrinsic stains are often much harder to treat and remove.  If these stains are a result of food exposure where the teeth have turned "yellow" over time, teeth whitening may help lighten the teeth.

In cases where the intrinsic stains are gray or reddish stains are internal (inside) the teeth, they cannot be removed via a dental cleaning or traditional teeth whitening.  More viable options to address heavily dark or red internal stained teeth include porcelain crowns and veneers or internal bleaching.  Internal bleaching utilizes a high concentration of bleaching solution placed inside the tooth after it has a root canal that allows the tooth to whiten from the inside.

If you have any questions on teeth stains and how to remove the stains from your teeth, be sure to consult your family dentist or dental hygienist.

From the desk of your friendly gentle dentist in Bellevue,

Peter Chien, DMD, MPH
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Healthy Teeth Healthy Mouth Happy Kids

 Here at Bellevue Family Dentistry, we place an emphasis on adults and kids oral health alike.  In light of the American Dental Association's National Children's Dental Health Month in February, let us examine the benefits of oral health in kids.

Why is Children's Oral Health So Important?

• In the United States, oral disease (ie. tooth decay, gum infections) causes kids to miss more an astounding 50+ million hours of school, and also their parents to miss more than 25 million hours of work per year.
• If cavities and oral health infections are left untreated, the pain and infection may result in problems with eating, learning, speaking, and concentration. 
• Early premature tooth loss may result in reduced self esteem and reduced confidence.
• Children and adolescents with oral health problems, compared to those without oral health issues, are unfortunately more likely to have problems at school, and less likely to complete their homework.  Those with oral health problems are also more likely to feel interior, shy, unhappy, uncomfortable, sad, and depressed.
• When children's oral health issues are treated and the kids are not experiencing pain or discomfort, studies show they are able to learn better and their attendance at school improves.

America's Tooth Fairy

America's Tooth Fairy has great resources and information on programs on community-based educational, treatment, and preventive services to children of all income levels.  In the year 2012, volunteers from America's Tooth Fairy were able to provide children with over 200,000+ dental cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, screenings, and oral health education.

What Can I do Help my Kids at Home?

The best care begins at home!  Starting at the age of 6 months when kids first baby/primary tooth erupts, start brushing their teeth right away with a soft toothbrush.  Use a pea-sized amount of nonfluoridated toothpaste if your child is unable to spit out yet.  Brush your kids teeth twice a day (morning and before going to bed) and start flossing as soon as you see two or more teeth adjacent to one another.  Use an over the counter anti-cavity fluoride rinse (ie. ACT) to help decrease the risk of cavities.  Bring your kids to the dentist twice a year for regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

Happy brushing and flossing everyone!

From your gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600
 

Toothbrush, stay away from....

Here's an interesting fact about toothbrushes.  Where do we usually brush our teeth?   Probably in the shower, or in front of the bathroom sink and mirror.  But have you given thought where the toilet is in relation to where you brush?

Did you know that when flushing the toilet, water particles from the toilet can travel airborne up to 6 feet away?  Yup, 6 feet, that's quiet a distance isn't?  It's a given that the toothbrush should be clean and only contain toothpaste and clean water, but what if it contained small particles of.... ok, I won't say it, but you get the idea :)

So next time you brush, you may want to stand a little further away from the toilet :)

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
4125-614-1600

Baby boomers!

Americans are living longer than ever, and the segment of population >65 years old is expanding.  Hence it's even more important to take preventive measures to maintain your oral health, and the best way begins at home.  Daily brushing with a soft tooth brush and fluoridated toothpaste after meals, along with flossing one to two times a day, is a great and effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of plaque.  If you have a denture, be sure to brush it every day as well so its free of plaque and food debris.  Soaking the denture daily it in a denture cleanser is also a good way to keep your gums and adjacent teeth healthy.

Be sure to consult your dentist if you have any questions regarding preventive oral hygiene.

Warm Regards from your family Bellevue Dentist,
 Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
425-614-1600