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Tooth Discoloration
There ate two main types of tooth discoloration: extrinsic (caused by substances that we introduce into our mouths) and intrinsic, (caused by conditions within our body which influence tooth formation and/or colour).
Predisposition to tooth discoloration
Some factors make tooth discoloration more likely for some people than others, both children and adults:
* Tiny enamel defects – that allow staining substances to accumulate
* Insufficient saliva – which would otherwise help us clear food remains and early plaque
Saliva output can be decreased both through infection and obstruction in the mouth, caused by some diseases, through radiation to the head and neck and by many medications.
* Poor dental hygiene – which is a voluntary factor, allowing particles from food to linger, plaque build up and tartar to form all of which creates brown or black stains.
Extrinsic discoloration
* Tea, red wine, coffee and soda drinks
* Tobacco, whether chewed or smoked
* Numerous medications, most notably doxycycline and tetracycline If they are given to children under the age of eight and antihistamines such as Benadryl
Intrinsic discoloration
Any trauma to a child’s growing teeth can disrupt the formation of enamel causing it to have uneven thickness. Dentin, the layer beneath enamel is a yellow colour, and if the enamel layer is thin, then dentin can show through looking like a stain.
* Some infections in a pregnant woman can also affect the development of the child’s tooth enamel
Too much fluoride at childhood causes flurosis:
* Fluoride in the water supply
* Store-bought beverages
* Fluoride-containing rinses toothpastes etc
* Chewable vitamins which contain fluoride
* Fluoride supplements
* Foods prepared with fluoridated water
In mild forms of fluorosis, flat white lines appear on the enamel. In moderate forms of fluorosis, the lines become mottling and in sever fluorosis, the mottling becomes extensive it stains and chips very easily and becomes pitted and brown.
Nutritional deficiencies
For growth of healthy teeth vitamin C and D, calcium and phosphate is required. Whenever any of these vital ingredients are lacking in our diet, our tooth enamel becomes thinner and weaker.
Aging
Our teeth darken as we age, this is normal
Tooth Whitening
Although there are some exceptions, most stains on our teeth and most yellowing can be removed with a tooth whitening procedure. This can be done either in-office or at home using a customised tray and professional strength whitening gel.
Dental Work
Some dental materials, especially the amalgam which is used for fillings, can darken the colour of the tooth through showing by the translucent enamel and over time can darken the enamel itself.
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