Tooth Discoloration

In today’s self-conscious society, the dull, stained effects of tooth discoloration represent a common dental complaint. Beyond the professionally managed teeth whitening options, people are employing new, everyday products in their ongoing struggle against yellow teeth and other forms of tooth discoloration. From whitening strips and take-home trays to whitening toothpaste and chewing gum, people are going to various lengths to achieve and maintain a white, attractive smile.

Tooth discoloration could be extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration occurs in the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel. Enamel stains can range from white streaks to yellow tints or brown spots and pits. Intrinsic discoloration occurs in the inner structure of the tooth, called the dentin, when the dentin darkens or displays a yellow (or gray) tint. Extrinsic staining can be effectively treated using various whitening techniques, intrinsic staining may be more stubborn, potentially requiring alternative cosmetic treatment such as veneers.

Causes:

• Foods/drinks - Coffee, tea, colas, wines and certain foods (e.g., tomatoes, cherries, blueberries etc.) can cause extrinsic tooth stains.     
• Tobacco use - Smoking or chewing tobacco can result in discolored teeth
• Poor dental hygiene - Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances can cause tooth stains.
• Disease - Diseases affecting enamel and dentin can lead to tooth discoloration. Certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the baby by affecting enamel development.
• Medications - Antihistamines, antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs can discolor teeth. Maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy may result in discoloration of the baby's tooth enamel.
• Ageing - As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing the dentin's natural, yellow color. Additionally, over the years your teeth accumulate more stains and tartars, causing them to darken and discolor.
• Dental work - Procedures requiring certain dental materials, such as silver amalgam restorations, can produce a grayish-black cast to teeth

Treatments: 

• Good hygiene - Practice proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and getting professional teeth cleanings every six months or more frequently, depending on your dentist's recommendation 
• Whitening procedures
• In-office tooth whitening - Dentist can easily remove extrinsic and some intrinsic tooth discoloration caused by foods/drinks and other causes by applying a bleaching peroxide gel to the tooth enamel.
• At-home bleaching - Many dentists believe that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits may produce the best results over time. More suitable for extrinsic tooth discoloration, home whitening usually is done with teeth whitening kits, gels or strips.
• Over-the-counter at home whitening products – These are convenient and low-cost alternative to bleaching discolored teeth without dentist supervision.
• Composite bonding, crowns and veneers - For teeth severely discolored by excessive fluoride, root canal treatment, or consumption of certain drugs, your dentist may recommend covering the tooth's outer surface with a color-matched composite bonding material, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns instead of bleaching.

Consult with your dentist for the best tooth discoloration treatment options for your individual case.