Tooth discoloration is a prevalent dental concern that affects people of all ages. It can impact one’s confidence and willingness to smile. Understanding the causes, available treatments, and precautionary measures may help maintain a bright and healthy smile. Read on to explore the various aspects of tooth discoloration to provide a comprehensive guide for patients.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Teeth may become discolored mainly due to certain habits, poor dental hygiene, and medications. The following are the two types of teeth stains:
- Extrinsic Stains: Extrinsic discoloration occurs when stains are seen on the tooth’s external surface. It can be caused by chromogenic food, habits like smoking and tobacco, and excessive coffee and tea consumption. These result in yellow spots on teeth.
- Intrinsic Stains: Intrinsic discoloration is seen on the inside surface of the tooth. Intrinsic stains occur primarily due to genetic reasons, after dental injury, extensive tooth decay, increased fluoride exposure, and aging. Nutritional deficiencies or the use of antibiotics like tetracycline may also lead to dental stains.
Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration
The treatment for tooth discoloration depends on the underlying cause and the type of discoloration. Here are some standard treatment options:
Dental Bleaching
There are two types of tooth bleaching – home bleaching and in-clinic bleaching/in-office bleaching.
In-clinic bleaching is a procedure performed in a dental clinic using a bleaching agent and chemical activation technique. This can be done in a single visit. In-office bleaching is carried out using 15% to 43% peroxide— a more potent agent than one used in home bleaching. Teeth whitening is preferably performed by a cosmetic dentist. Light, heat, or both can be used as the activating agents for the whitening reaction, and the entire process can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Home bleaching is conducted using transparent, custom-fabricated trays. This procedure is slow and long, and it might take 1-2 weeks to see visible results. Home bleaching is done using 3% to 20% peroxide.
Teeth whitening results depend on the following factors:
- Type of stains.
- Age of the patient.
- Concentration of bleaching agents.
- Duration and frequency of bleaching.
There are several over-the-counter whitening products or ones supplied by a dental professional. They are usually affordable and can be easily used at home.
- Whitening strips and gels can be applied to the teeth using a brush. A whitening strip is an extremely thin strip infused with peroxide-based whitening gel. Before applying such products, read the descriptions and directions carefully.
- Tray-based bleaching uses a mouth guard filled with gel whitening solution. The mouthguard is a dental appliance that is a transparent, custom-made tray. It has to be worn for 2-4 hours a day.
- A tooth whitening toothpaste effectively removes the basic stains like ones due to tea and coffee.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are very thin layers of ceramic or resin placed over the teeth to give them a new look. They adhere to the front of the teeth. They address discoloration and provide long-term, favorable results by achieving an ideal shade for the teeth.
Dental Bonding
It is also known as composite or tooth-colored fillings. In this procedure, a white dental composite is filled in the cavity of the tooth and then light-cured. This is a perfect way of concealing stains and other problems concerning discolored teeth.
Crowns
Crowns are primarily used in cases of damaged or stained teeth. They are created to provide patients with natural-looking teeth by matching the shape and color of the teeth adjacent to the target ones.
Prevention of Tooth Discoloration
The measures to prevent tooth staining involve making daily lifestyle changes and maintaining dental care. Here are some tips to help keep your teeth white and healthy:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Dental floss should ideally be used to clean between proximal facets.
- An antiseptic mouthwash may be recommended to dispel bacteria that can form plaque and cause stains.
Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages:
- Limit the consumption of substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, and cola.
- However, if one has to consume these products, one should use a straw to prevent direct contact with teeth, followed by the consumption of a glass of water.
Avoid Tobacco Products:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco cause severe stains on your teeth. Tobacco is also a known risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer.
Regular Dental Checkups:
- Visit your dentist for cleanings and routine checkups. Dental cleanings and polishing help remove surface stains missed during daily brushing.
Conclusion
Tooth discoloration is very common, but it can be controlled and prevented if one has adequate knowledge regarding its prevention and treatment. To achieve a perfect pearly white smile in the future, it is necessary to consult your dentist for a dental checkup every six months and practice good oral hygiene.
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