Dental aesthetics like tooth color, shape and alignment are significantly important. Discoloration is a common dental problem.
Types of Tooth Discoloration:
1. Extrinsic: Extrinsic discoloration means that the outer layer of the tooth or enamel is stained. This can be caused by consumption of cola drinks, wine, coffee, few foods or smoking. Poor oral hygiene, gingival bleeding, plaque calculus accumulation and chromogenic bacteria can also cause discoloration.
2. Intrinsic: Intrinsic discoloration means that the inner body of the tooth or dentin gets
tinted. This can be caused by:
- Extensive fluoride exposure in childhood
- Consumption of tetracycline antibiotics in early childhood
- A massive injury or fall that damaged permanent tooth
- A trauma like internal tooth bleeding
- You have a rare condition – dentinogenesis imperfecta
- Hereditary disorders
3. Age-related: It is caused by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. With aging dentin naturally
yellows and the enamel is thinner due to use. Eating, drinking and smoking habits of a person
can also stain teeth over time. Tooth injury or chipping can also make a tooth discolored due
to pulp damage.
Treatments for Tooth Discoloration
Prevention: To avoid tooth discoloration you should avoid smoking, drinking and consuming foods that cause staining. Make sure to brush and floss teeth daily.
Teeth Whitening: You can go for teeth whitening if your teeth get discolored. The most commonly used teeth whitening techniques are in office bleaching, using over the counter whitening agents, using a combination of gel and mouth trays, bonding, and veneers.
The causes of tooth discoloration can be multifactorial. It is really important for a dental professional to ascertain the correct cause behind discoloration for desired treatment results.