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Understanding And Treating Tooth Discoloration

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What Is Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration can happen due to staining on the surface or due to changes in the tooth. Different types of tooth discoloration are:

External

It occurs when the enamel (the outside layer of the tooth) gets stained. Wine, caffeine, cola or other drinks or foods can cause staining of teeth. Smoking also causes external staining of teeth.

Internal

It happens when dentin (the inner structure of the tooth)  gets a yellow tint or darkens. This type of discoloration is possible due to factors such as:
  • During early childhood, you had excessive exposure to fluoride.
  • During the second half of pregnancy, your mother used tetracycline antibiotics.
  • You were eight years old or younger when you used tetracycline antibiotics.
  • You suffered trauma that affected a tooth when you were a young child. For example, an accidental fall can damage the still-developing permanent tooth.
  • You suffered trauma in one or more permanent teeth, and internal bleeding caused discoloration of the tooth/teeth.
  • You were born with a rare genetic disorder called 'Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.' It is a disorder of tooth development that causes gray, amber or purple discoloration of the tooth. It may make the teeth translucent giving them an opalescent sheen.

Understanding And Treating Tooth Discoloration
Tooth Discoloration

Age-related

It is usually a combination of external and internal factors. Dentin naturally yellows as we age. The enamel that covers the teeth thins with age; this allows the dentin to show through.
Some foods and habits such as smoking also can stain teeth as one gets older. Finally, tooth chipping or other injuries can result in a discolored tooth, especially when there is damage to the pulp. Discoloration may be a result of failed or deteriorated dental filling/ restorations.

Symptoms

Staining or discoloration of the enamel. These may range from white streaks to brown spots or yellow tints and pits. In cases where the enamel has worn away, and dentin is showing through, a yellow tint is noticeable.

Diagnosis

No specific tests are required. A dentist or specialist dental professional can diagnose tooth discoloration by visually examining the teeth.

Prevention

Brushing your teeth daily preferably after each meal helps to prevent certain types of staining. Dentists recommend that one should rinse their mouth with water after having coffee, wine,  or other drinks or foods that can potentially stain the teeth. Regular cleanings by a dental hygienist also help remove surface staining.
Understanding And Treating Tooth Discoloration
Brushing Teeth
Internal stains that are a result of, damage to a  blood vessel or a nerve in a tooth are preventable at times. To remove the pulp (the inner part of the tooth ) before it starts to decay and darken root canal procedure may be needed. Teeth that have received root canal treatment may darken anyway due to lack of nourishment.
To prevent internal staining in kids, avoid excess early exposure to fluorides. Once the enamel has formed fully, fluoride will not be able to discolor teeth.

Treatment

  • Many extrinsic stains caused by food and drink can be removed by regular professional cleanings and home care. Proper oral care at home includes brushing twice daily for two minutes each time, flossing once daily and rinsing after each meal.
  • Staining in most instances can be removed by applying a teeth whitening agent to the tooth surface (enamel). One such technique is known as "power bleaching." In this method, the dentist uses a bleaching gel that is light-activated. It causes the teeth to get notably whiter in approximately 25 to 40 minutes. A couple of follow-up treatments may be recommended, or take-away home bleaching kit may be provided.
  • Removing discoloration at home is also possible. The dentist provided bleaching gel and mouth guard have to be used as recommended. The bleaching gels formulated for home use are not as reliable as those applied by your dentist in his clinic. It means that the whitening procedure takes more time — usually fifteen to thirty days.
  • One may also purchase whitening kits over the counter. These kits contain a weaker bleach than the products provided to you by your dentist. The procedure involves the application of the whitening agent as a gel placed in a mouthpiece or as a bleaching strip that sticks to your teeth. Over-the-counter mouthpieces grip the teeth less securely than the one you get from your dentist, but they do lighten teeth over time.
  • Whitening toothpaste may help remove minor stains. These kinds of toothpaste, as a matter of fact, do not change the overall color of the teeth.
  • If tooth discoloration or darkening has taken place after a root canal procedures, bleaching the enamel won't reduce discoloration. The dentist may recommend the application of the bleaching material to the inside of the tooth or may ask you to consider getting a crown or veneer.
  • Whitening /bleaching will not lighten specific stains, like tetracycline stains. Also, bleaching doesn't usually yield patient-satisfying results in instances when the discoloration is due to internal factors or aging. In such case, your dentist may recommend covering the discolored areas. The procedure also may be useful when the tooth is chipped or severely damaged.
  • A discolored tooth can be concealed with a color-matched composite bonding material. Another treatment option is to get veneers placed. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that hide the outer surfaces of the teeth.
Santa Ana Dentist, Dr. Jerry Kronquist shares “Teeth whitening is a quick fix for tooth discoloration. But one needs to have healthy gums and teeth to be eligible for tooth whitening. If your dentist says your teeth and gum are not fit enough for the procedure, do not override his opinion and use a home bleaching- kit or convince another dentist to do it for you. Doing so can severely damage your teeth and gums, resulting in other dental complications.”

Treatment Duration

Mild to moderate external tooth discoloration can be removed with professional dental cleaning. For example, stains caused by Colas. Many stains are permanent. Teeth can sometimes be whitened using a bleaching gel. In some instances, when the discoloration is severe, a veneer or crown may be required to conceal it.

When to seek Professional Intervention?

External tooth discoloration is usually a cosmetic problem. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, consult a dentist. Any change in a child's healthy tooth color (internal or external) should be examined by a dental professional.
Tooth discoloration can be embarrassing and may adversely affect your social life and self-confidence. Seek professional help to regain your pearly smile without damaging your gums and teeth.
References:
  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_discoloration
  2. http://kronquistdental.com/teeth-whitening/
  3. https://www.animated-teeth.com/teeth_whitening/t2_white_teeth.htm
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Location: 1906 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA

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