Seven Tips to Avoid Discoloration of Teeth

Do you know other reasons for discoloration of teeth?

In addition to fluoride deficiency or medication, there are other reasons too for discoloration of teeth. Some of them include:

a)      Use of tetracycline antibiotics by mothers during the second half of pregnancy.

b)    Use of tetracycline antibiotics during early age, when 8 years or younger.

c)     Trauma during young age that affected a tooth. A fall, for example, may damage the developing permanent tooth.

d)    Internal bleeding due to trauma.

e)     One who was born with a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This causes gray, amber or purple discolorations

How do you know teeth are discoloured?

f)     You will find stains on the enamel.

g)    The stains can range from white streaks to yellow tints or brown spots and pits.

h)     Your dentist can diagnose discoloration by looking at the teeth.

Are you worried of discoloration?

You need not worry because

i)      Some tooth discoloration can be removed by cleaning experts. For example, stains caused by coffee.

j)      Many stains sometimes can be whitened with a bleaching gel.

k)     In some cases, if the discoloration is severe, a crown or veneer may be required to cover it.

How to care your teeth and your responsibilities?
a) Brush your teeth after every meal

b) Rinse your mouth with water after having wine, coffee or other drinks or foods that can stain your teeth.

c) To prevent intrinsic stains in children, avoid use of drugs or fluorides that cause discoloration of teeth.

d) One can buy whitening products over the counter. They contain a weaker bleach than the products you can get from your dentist. The whitening agent is applied as a gel placed in a mouthpiece or as a strip that sticks to your teeth. Over-the-counter mouthpieces fit less securely than the kind you get from your dentist, but they will lighten your teeth over time.

Whitening toothpastes may remove minor stains. They do not actually change the overall color of your teeth

e) Get regular cleanings by a dental hygienist. Discoloration often can be removed by applying a bleaching agent to the tooth enamel. One technique is called "power bleaching." With this method, the dentist applies a light-activated bleaching gel.

f) Intrinsic stains that are caused by damage to a nerve or blood vessel in a tooth can be got remove by root canal treatment. This will help to remove the inner part of the tooth (the pulp) before it has a chance to decay and darken. However, teeth that have root canal treatment may darken anyway.  Extrinsic stains are easy to remove, however, intrinsic stains may be more difficult or take longer to remove.

g) A tooth can be covered with a color-matched composite bonding material. Another option is to get veneers. These are thin ceramic shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth.