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.

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Teeth Sensitivity?

Teeth whitening is one way to brighten your smile. It is a procedure that can be accomplished either at the dental office or in your own home. The downside to whitening your teeth is the sensitivity that sometimes develops. The properties of hydrogen peroxide - one of the main ingredients in most tooth whitening products may irritate the tooth nerve.

Tooth sensitivity is experienced as a rush or wave of pain usually as a response to cold air or water. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity then you may want to re-consider a whitening regime. However, there may be ways to combat this issue and still allow yourself to whiten your teeth.

• Follow the instructions of your dentist when using a professional product or the manufacturer's instructions for the over the counter products. Never whiten your teeth for longer than recommended.
• Sometimes just giving your teeth a short break between treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms.
• Taking pain killers can help reduce the symptoms if taken before applying the whitening product. Taking it ahead of time may prevent the symptoms from surfacing.
• See if you are using a product with a lower peroxide level.
• Limit the cold drinks and foods while you are whitening.
• Overuse of whitening products can also cause sensitivity. When used to excess, they have the potential to make your teeth very sensitive or even damage them.

If you tend to have teeth sensitive to whitening, talk with your dentist about the options available to you. If you try a product and experience painful sensitivity, stop using it immediately and consult with a dental professional. You and your dentist can decide together what product would be best for you.

Is Whitening Safe for my Teeth?

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that makes teeth appear whiter. Teeth whitening is a part of dentistry and should be recommended by your dental professional after assessing if you are eligible. You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but these may carry risks.

Risks of home kits:

Some home kits don’t contain enough of the whitening product to be effective. More generally, if a dental professional is not doing the whitening, the mouth guard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity. Remember to follow the directions carefully. Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than advised – that may cause sore gums and set you up for other problems.

Even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home, you should see your dentist first. Your dentist will look for cavities and check the health of your gums during the exam. Treating any problems before you whiten is safer for your mouth.

No matter whether you decide to whiten your teeth at home or at dental office, to be on the safe side, pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening.

Protect sensitive teeth:

Your teeth may become mildly sensitive after you whiten, but it’s usually short term. It might be less of an issue if your teeth and gums are in good shape. If it bothers you, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist.

Gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, can also bother your gums if they

don't fit well. It’s a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem. If you want more information about teeth whitening treatment, contact Expressions Dental™ Calgary NW general dentists.