Teeth discoloration and tooth stains are common and can happen to anyone for various reasons. But the good news is that these stains are preventable and can also be treated. If you have questions about teeth discoloration and its available treatments, schedule an appointment with Dexter dental clinic today.
What are the different types of staining?
There are three main categories of tooth discoloration, which are:
- Extrinsic
In extrinsic tooth discoloration, the staining or discoloration is only present on the teeth’ enamel or outside. These are usually caused by food and beverages or tobacco.
- Intrinsic
Intrinsic tooth stains are located within the teeth and are thus more resistant to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments. These can be caused by trauma or injury to the tooth, tooth decay, certain medicines, excessive fluoride, or genetics.
- Age-related
The enamel of your teeth begins to wear away as you age and can lead to a yellowish appearance over time.
What are the causes of tooth discoloration?
There can be various reasons for food stains and discoloration. Some of these may be:
- Food
- Beverages
- Tobacco
- Age
- Injuries
- Certain antibiotics
What are the common causes for different colors?
There can be different reasons for the different colors of teeth. While this is not always the case, generally, certain factors cause a certain color of the stain.
- Yellow
Yellow discoloration is usually found in smokers and people who chew tobacco. This can also be the cause of some beverages like coffee, certain medications, a high-sugar diet, or poor oral hygiene.
- White
A white spot is usually seen on teeth that have a cavity, and this spot may turn darker over time. White spots can also be caused by too much fluoride.
- Black
Black spots or stains can be caused by certain liquid iron supplements, an advanced dental cavity, filling or crowns containing silver sulfide, etc.
- Purple
People who regularly drink wine sometimes have purple undertones to their teeth.
Should you see a dentist?
A little bit of discoloration in teeth is not something to worry too much about. But if you have used a teeth whitening treatment and the discoloration is still present, you may need to see a dentist. Moreover, if the discoloration is only in one tooth, it may be due to a cavity or an injury, and you should seek your dentist’s help immediately. You should check up with your dentist at least twice a year for good oral health.
Comments are closed.