Tooth Discoloration
Your teeth can become discoloured by stains on its surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories and they are
- extrinsic discoloration - this is when the outer layer of the tooth or the enamel is stained. Coffee, wine, cola, and other drinks can stain the teeth. Smoking is also another cause of extrinsic stains
- intrinsic discoloration - this is when the inner structure of the tooth or the dentin becomes dark or becomes yellowish. You can get this type of discoloration if you have had excessive exposure to fluoride during your early childhood, your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during her second half of pregnancy, you used tetracycline antibiotics when you were eight years old or younger, and if you had trauma that affected a tooth when you were young causing damage to the developing permanent tooth
- age-related discoloration - this is a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Dentin will naturally become yellow over time. The enamel that covers the teeth will get thinner and thinner through age. This will allow the dentin to show through. Foods and smoking can also stain the teeth as people grow older. Finally, chips and injuries can cause discoloration of a tooth especially when the pulp is damaged.
There are rare cases where children are born with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This is a condition where the teeth are gray, amber, or purple coloured.
What are the symptoms of discoloured teeth?
The symptoms will include stains on the enamel. This can range from white streaks, yellow tints, brown spots, and even pits. If the enamel has worn away and if the dentin is showing through then you may notice a yellow tint on the dentin.
What is the diagnosis on teeth discoloration?
No special tests are needed when diagnosing discoloured teeth. A dentist or a dental professional can diagnose tooth discoloration by simply looking at the teeth.
How long does tooth discoloration last?
Tooth discoloration can be removed by professional cleaning. One example is the removal of stains caused by coffee. However, there are stains that are permanent. Teeth have to be whitened through bleaching gels. In more severe cases, a crown or veneer may be required to cover the discolouration.
How can you prevent tooth discoloration?
You will be able to prevent stains on your teeth by brushing after every meal. Dentists will recommend that you rinse your mouth with water after drinking wine, coffee, or other food and drinks that can stain your teeth. Going through regular cleanings with your dentist or oral hygienist will also help prevent any surface stains.
Intrinsic stains that are caused by damage to nerve cells or blood vessels in a tooth can sometimes be prevented. You may need to have root canal treatment to remove the inner part of the tooth. This inner portion of the tooth or the pulp must be removed before it darkens. However, the teeth that undergo root canal treatment will become dark eventually. In order to prevent intrinsic stains in children, you should avoid them being overexposed to fluorides.
How is tooth discoloration treated?
Several intrinsic stains are caused by food and drink. This can be removed using regular professional cleanings and home care. Good home care includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing after every meal. Discoloration can be removed by applying bleaching agents to the enamel of the teeth. One of the techniques is called power bleaching. In this method, the dentist applies a light-activated bleaching gel. This will cause the teeth to become whiter in around thirty to forty five minutes. A lot of follow-up treatments may be needed for this.
You may also remove tooth discoloration right at the comfort of your own home. You can use bleaching gel and a mouth guard given to you by your dentist. Keep in mind that the bleaching gel that you use at home is not as strong as the bleaching gel used by your dentist. This means that the process will take longer. It can take around two to four weeks. Some whitening toothpastes can remove minor stains while others aren't as effective.
If your tooth has become dark after a root canal then bleaching the enamel of your tooth will not help. Your dentist can apply bleaching material to the inside of your tooth or you may want o consider getting a crown or a veneer to cover the stain. Bleaching will not lighten some stains though. In these cases, your dentist may recommend that you cover the discoloured areas. This can also be useful if the tooth is chipped or is badly damaged.
A tooth can be covered with a colour-matched composite bonding material. Veneers can also be used to cover the stained surfaces of teeth. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth.
When should you call a professional?
Tooth discoloration is a cosmetic problem. You should call your dentist if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth. If you notice that your child's teeth have changed colour then bring your child to the dentist for evaluation.
What is the prognosis for tooth discoloration?
The prognosis for tooth discoloration is excellent for extrinsic stains. However, intrinsic stains are more difficult and may take longer to remove.