A Brief Guide To The Types And Causes Of Tooth Discoloration

Sometimes, people are reluctant to smile because they’re self-conscious about their teeth. While having stained or discolored teeth can be bothersome, dentists can usually resolve these issues. Here, readers will learn about the different types of tooth discoloration, what causes it, and how dentists treat it.

Tooth Discoloration: What Is It?

If a person’s teeth are yellow, brown, or gray, their coloring is considered abnormal. It so happens that extrinsic and intrinsic staining often causes tooth discoloration.

• Extrinsic stains affect the outermost tooth layers so that specific treatments can remove them without difficulty. In many cases, these stains occur when a person drinks tea or coffee, chews tobacco, or smokes cigarettes. However, certain foods can turn teeth yellow, such as red wine, chocolate, beets, and blueberries.
• Intrinsic stains are harder to handle as they affect the innermost layers of the teeth, turning them brownish-yellow. Examples like chemotherapy, antibiotic treatment, mouthwash, and excessive fluoride use can lead to intrinsic staining.
• Structural stains are those embedded in the teeth as the structural stains take form. Typically, the antibiotic tetracycline is the biggest offender. Other staining is inherited, much like skin tone. Bleaching may lighten these stains somewhat, but the teeth will require bonding and whitening in most instances.

Tooth discoloration may occur due to sports injuries, age, and illness. While saliva production affects tooth staining, not all cases are treatable.

Keeping Teeth Clean

There are a few ways to keep teeth clean. If it’s impractical to brush and floss after every meal, be sure to rinse with water. Twice-yearly professional cleanings will help control discoloration and staining, as will changes in eating habits. To control the damage caused by sugary beverages, consider using a straw. By taking these simple steps, patients can minimize tooth decay while managing the presence of tartar and plaque.

Treating Discolored Teeth

Thanks to recent advances in dental care, it’s become more accessible for patients to regain their white smiles. While some opt for in-home treatments such as toothpaste, whitening pens, strips, and gels, in-office care is a safer and more effective option. A dentist will know which tooth discoloration treatment would be best for you. Contact a dentist today to learn about options such as laser whitening and professional bleaching.

How Long Does it Take to Treat Stained Teeth?

In-office whitening and polishing procedures typically take about three weeks and several visits to see results. The dental care team may need to take an impression of the patient’s teeth to create mouth guards or whitening trays.

Teeth that have undergone fillings or root canals may need additional treatment, as the dentist may need to reopen the canal to whiten them. Depending on the method of treatment, a dentist may suggest the application of at-home whitening products. These aren’t the same as those found in the pharmacy—the results of these products can last for up to three years.

It’s Possible to Prevent Discoloration

Patients can take a few steps to keep their teeth free of stains. After a corrective treatment, it’s essential to do everything possible to fight against tooth discoloration causes. For example, a person who smokes or drinks a lot of coffee may want to cut back. Be sure to brush and floss every day and get a professional cleaning twice a year.

If a patient is concerned about tooth staining, or they need to schedule a bi-yearly cleaning, they can call a local dentist for more information. With the tips in this guide and the proper professional care, anyone can look and feel more confident.