Teeth Discoloration Causes Symptoms Prevention And Cures

Teeth Discoloration - A Short Introduction 

Teeth are supposed to be the strangest substance of the human body. Besides chewing, communicating, i.e., speaking is another aspect teeth are essential for. Thus, the set of teeth require good care and attention. However, few tooth anomalies affect the teeth and increase the health issues. One such teeth condition is Teeth Discoloration. It may be defined as translucency, hue or abnormal tooth color. More than 50% of the population is suffering through this condition. 

What Is Teeth Discoloration? 

Teeth Discoloration can be explained as abnormal hue, translucency or abnormal tooth color. Teeth can be discolored by changes inside the tooth or by stains present on the surface of the tooth. This condition can be categorized as a cosmetic problem and should be discussed with a dentist. Any abnormality in a child’s tooth color should also be evaluated by a specialist. 

Teeth Color Before And After The Treatment

Causes Of Teeth Discoloration 

• Chewing or smoking Tobacco is a major reason for teeth staining. 
• As the Age Advances, the teeth enamel wears off, showing the natural color of the pigment dentin that is yellow. 
• Dental Materials like amalgam restorations may form a greyish black color on the teeth enamel. 
• Medications as doxycycline or tetracycline have the tendency to discolor teeth if given to children below the age of 8 years. Mouthwashes contain cetylpyridinium chloride that may also stain the teeth enamel. Drugs for high blood pressure are also capable of teeth discoloration. 
• Some Diseases and their Treatments may also cause teeth staining. It may also happen that injections provided to a pregnant lady may cause tooth staining in the infant. 
• Few Foods/Drinks such as coffee or cold drinks may be a cause for this condition. 

Symptoms Of Teeth Discoloration 

Any kind of stain or abnormal coloration in the teeth is supposed to be a symptom of this prevalent teeth condition. The stain may range from normal white streaks to brown dirty spots or pits or yellow tints. The dentin is clearly seen when the enamel wears away, and this is where the yellow tint may be noticed. 

Types Of Teeth Discoloration 

Teeth staining may be categorized into three main parts:

• Intrinsic: This condition is observed when the dentin gets the yellow tint or becomes darkened. Intrinsic type of discoloration can be caused if:

1. The mother was given Tetracycline while pregnancy. 
2. There is a trauma in a permanent tooth and some sort of internal bleeding stains the teeth. 
3. Too much of fluoride exposure is given during early childhood. 
4. Born with a condition termed as dentinogenesis imperfecta, a rare condition of the tooth that tends to cause amber, purple or grey discoloration.

• Extrinsic: This condition is observed when the enamel of the tooth is stained by ingredients such as cola, coffee or other foods or drinks. Smoking is another cause. 
• Age-Related: A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Over a period of time, dentin naturally turns yellow. Increasing age causes the enamel to wear off, showing the dentin. 

Prevention Of Teeth Discoloration 

Some stains can be prevented by brushing the teeth after every meal. Rinsing mouth with water after coffee, wine or other such drinks may be a preventive measure. Intrinsic stains can also be prevented by going through a root canal treatment that removes the pulp before it may darken or decay. However, teeth may darken even after the root canal treatment. In children of early ages, teeth discoloration can be prevented by avoiding too much exposure to items containing fluoride. Enamel once fully formed cannot be stained by fluoride. 

Treatment Of Teeth Discoloration 

Home care (including brushing, flossing, and rinsing) and regular professional cleanings can help to remove extrinsic stains. Another method is called Power Bleaching. In this technique, the dentist uses a light-activated bleaching gel that makes the teeth look comparatively whiter in just 30 to 45 minutes. 

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To remove teeth stains at home, a bleaching gel accompanied by a mouth guard is suggested by the dentist. This gel is milder than the ones used by dentists. Thus the process is longer. Whitening toothpaste may also remove a certain amount of stains. In the case of tetracycline stains, covering the discolored area may be recommended. This may be helpful even if the tooth is severely damaged. 

Dr. Chris Vinson, a well-experienced dentist in Tulsa OK, suggests that teeth are an essential part which being healthy and white, upgrades the quality of life.