3 Common Causes of Intrinsic Dental Stains

Have you been considering teeth whitening in Houston, TX? If so, you may be curious what types of stains whitening can actually target. Tooth stains can either be extrinsic (external) or intrinsic (internal). Internal stains are a little harder to target, but some may respond to whitening treatments just the same. Take a look at some of the common causes of intrinsic dental discoloration.

Medications

Certain types of medications can cause discoloration inside of the teeth. One specific medication, tetracycline, is often to blame. This common antibiotic was once prescribed to children, but the medication would actually bind to calcium that would eventually make it into the teeth. If you were prescribed this medication as a child, there is a chance that it changed the shade of your teeth from the inside.

Dental Trauma

When dental trauma occurs, blood flow to the tooth can be interrupted. This change in blood flow can quickly lead to a change in the color of a tooth, but the change in color happens on the inside of the tooth, not the outside.

Fluoride Over-Exposure

Over-exposure to fluoride can also be responsible for intrinsic dental stains. While fluoride can be so valuable to your dental health, over-exposure is known to generate white spots. These white spots are not just surface level; they can actually originate from the inside of your tooth where the discoloration may be harder to treat.

Find Out About Teeth Whitening in Houston, TX

A whiter smile is always a smile you can feel better about sharing. If you suffer from intrinsic dental stains, certain treatments with a Houston, TX dentist can help. Ready to get a look at your options? Reach out to us at Chloe Dental for more information.