Tooth Discoloration (Dental Stains)
In addition to their basic role in facilitating the process of eating, teeth also plays an equally important role, which is maintaining a beautiful external appearance for any individual. As we mentioned in previous articles related to dental safety in terms of the necessity of treating any broken or missing teeth and the necessity of maintaining the proper, non-abnormal alignment of the teeth. So that the presence of any gaps between them must be treated and any crowding or crookedness must be prevented and precisely treated. It is also vital to maintain the natural color of the teeth, which we will look into in our article today.
Teeth discoloration constitutes a frightening barrier for all persons. This is especially right because of the embarrassment it causes when talking to others or smiling at them. The embarrassment is greater when it is necessary to show a smile in order to take a commemorative photo on an occasion.
Teeth staining – or tooth discoloration – are terms that pinpoints to one problem, which is the loss of the teeth’ natural color, whether partially, such as losing their bright whiteness and becoming dull or yellowish, or entirely losing their color to yellow or dark brown (black pigmentation).
Types of tooth stains
External pigmentation: It is one of the most common and simplest types of pigmentation. It changes the color of the outer layer of the teeth and is easy to treat.
Internal pigmentation: These are changes in color that originate from within the internal structure of the tooth and require a long time to treat.
Causes of tooth discoloration
- Excessive intake of caffeine and soft drinks.
- Excessive smoking and use of tobacco products (see our article on smokeless tobacco).
- Being drawn into the common wrong habits surrounding teeth whitening and tooth care.
- Calcium deficiency, which plays a major role in the structure of teeth.
- Deficiency of some vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin C.
- Getting older.
- Excessive use of high-fluoride toothpastes.
- Water high in salt and lime.
Drug and radiation treatments and their effect on tooth color
- Certain medical treatments and medications may cause tooth discoloration, including: Radiotherapy to the head and neck, and chemotherapy.
- Antibiotics, such as: tetracycline and doxycycline, affect the formation of enamel in children under the age of eight, which leads to staining, which may be difficult to get rid of.
- Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride. Medications such as: antihistamines.
- Antihypertensive medications.
Treatment of tooth discoloration
Discoloration of the front teeth is the most known reason behind seeking to restore an individual’s original tooth color. However, many people ask for bright white teeth even at the expense of their natural tooth color! Proper treatment of tooth discoloration relies on knowing the cause. Most cases of tooth discoloration are usually harmless, and may or may not be of cosmetic importance to the individual. But in other cases, it may indicate the presence of a pulp defect.
Most tooth stains are removed by cleaning the teeth, whether with “whitening” toothpaste at home, or by “teeth polishing” at the dentist or “teeth whitening.” Taking into account that these procedures will not prevent the accumulation of external stains in the future, therefore determining the cause of pigmentation is very important.
Treating tooth discoloration internally may require teeth whitening, fillings, or fixed dental prosthetics.
Foods that help prevent tooth discoloration
- Green leaves, such as spinach and broccoli.
- Cheese and yoghurt.
- Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. For example: apples, peaches, pears, and celery.
- Foods rich in antioxidants, such as: carrots, ginger, and garlic.
- Nuts.
- Whole grains.
After reading this article, dear reader, if you are suffering from a change in the color of your teeth, fortunately for you, you have come to the right place. Book your appointment and enjoy sparkling white teeth.
