What Are the Different Types of Tooth Discoloration?

While whitening products are a popular stain removal option, the best stain treatment option is visiting a professional dentist.

Did you know that stains are the main reason why teeth lose their natural brightness? Stains cause teeth discoloration, categorized as extrinsic discoloration, intrinsic discoloration, and white spots. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of stains, their causes, and the best way to treat them.

Schedule an Appointment – Call (314) 862-7844

Top rated

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 276 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Kathryn L.

It was thorough professional and informative. I was satisfied with consultation and look forward to having my dental needs addressed

liz B.

Everything went great today for her surgery but I do have some feedback about other things. My daughter was scheduled to be put to sleep to undergo a root canal. They ended up needing more anthesia which I was willing to pay for. Surgery was supposed to be an hour (I was told this before they started), and it ended up being 2 hours because of some minor complications. Noone came to the lobby to inform us. When it was over, I asked to see her. They said I had to pay first. I just paid almost 5k and they were more worried about an additional $300 before allowing me to see my daughter? This didn't sit right. I didn't say anything. I paid the bill and went to see my daughter. Dr. Hoffman is the nicest man I have ever met! He was outstanding. Also, in the weeks before her surgery, the office appeared to not communicate. I would receive a call saying one thing then someone else would say another. They were never on the same page. Last week, they needed to speak with me to confirm a few things. They called me at 8:16am then again at 1:06pm. Leaving me a voicemail that if they do not hear from me they were going to cancel her surgery. Wow! I work. I work 8am-5pm. I do not have access to my phone during those hours. They did leave a voicemail and I would have called the next day but they did not give me a chance before sending me an email threatening to cancel. Also, they had called me several weeks before to inform me I had no insurance. I called my insurance company and they said I did. Not sure what happened but it resulted in unnecessary phone calls during my only free 20 minutes at work. If your appointment is at 10am, do not plan on seeing anyone for awhile. All our appointments ran an hour behind. I think Dr. Hoffman is wonderful but the office staff needs some help. Not friendly at all. Noone even smiled! The nurses in the room with my daughter were great too.

Rob G.

I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place. I have a had severe dental trauma my entire life. Until now, they are all fantastic.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful our team could help provide a comfortable experience and appreciate your trust in us.

Cheryl L.

Our experience was wonderful. Our Down’s Syndrome son is very apprehensive about his appointments, but Dr. Thoms and all of his staff made our son more compliant. Each member seems vested in their job and are so kind and caring. Thank you for a positive experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad your family had a positive experience. Our team takes great pride in providing compassionate, individualized care, and your feedback means so much to us!

Mark B.

Everyone is always very welcoming and professional.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team makes you feel welcome. We truly appreciate your support!

1. Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration

Intrinsic tooth discoloration, also commonly referred to as dentin, occurs in the inner side of the tooth. Dentin can arise due to different factors, including diseases, medication, or treatment.

Tooth decay and gum diseases are some of the diseases that can hinder the normal development of your teeth’ white surface, leading to intrinsic stains. Additionally, chemicals and drugs such as fluoride and tetracycline antibiotics also cause intrinsic discoloration. Drugs used in the treatment of head radiation and chemotherapy can also lead to intrinsic discoloration. Dental trauma is another cause of this type of discoloration.

While intrinsic tooth discoloration is common, they’re a bit challenging to remove using teeth whitening products. Therefore, you should not remove this type of stain yourself. The stains are ingrained in the tooth’s structure, and any unprofessional whitening process can cause more damage to your teeth. Instead, seek the guidance of dental specialists at the Anesthesia Center on the right treatment for your condition.

2. Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic discoloration affects the outermost layer of your tooth or the enamel. This discoloration is usually caused by the frequent consumption of food and drinks with a high concentration of dark elements such as tannin. For example, coffee, red wine, blackberries, and other dark-colored foods have dark elements that end up trapped in the crevices of your teeth.

Excessive use of tobacco is another thing that can lead to extrinsic stains. Smoking and chewing tobacco products discolors your teeth and make them turn yellow or brown. Therefore, it is important to reduce the intake of cigarettes and other related products and seek professional dental services for extrinsic stain removal.

3. White Spots

White spots indicate teeth corrosion due to high acidity or high concentration of bacteria in the mouth. White spots are common on the tooth’s surface, and they appear curved compared to the shape of the other teeth. Other common causes of white spots are gum infections, vitamin deficiencies, and accumulation of bacterial plaque.

What Treatment Options Are Available to Whiten Teeth?

While whitening products are a popular stain removal option, the best stain treatment option is visiting a professional dentist. A visit to a dentist will help rebuild your tooth structure, clear stains and safely brighten your teeth. It will also prevent gum disease or early tooth loss.

We Can Help Fix Your Tooth Discoloration Problem

Do you have discolored teeth? At the Dental Anesthesia Center, we treat different types of teeth discoloration and help our clients maintain their bright smiles. Give us a call today to schedule your next dental check-up.