Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors. Generally, it can be due to excessive consumption of certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, as well as aging and the use of certain medications. Additionally, smoking can also contribute to the staining of teeth. It’s important to understand the causes of tooth discoloration in order to properly plan a course of treatment.
Genetics
Genetics play a role in determining the whiteness of teeth, due to the enamel, as well as the underlying dentin color. Enamels can be either light or dark in color, depending on the genetic makeup of a person. Dentin, which lies beneath the enamel and makes up most of a tooth, can also vary from yellow to gray-brown or dark brown.
Similarly, some individuals may be born with an extra layer of dentin referred to as ‘dentinogenesis imperfecta.’ This condition is inherited and causes grayish discoloration on all teeth.
Additionally, some people may have permanent dental discoloration due to dental fluorosis caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development in childhood.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, or using the wrong technique when brushing and flossing, can cause your teeth to yellow. Some foods can also contribute to discolored teeth, as some are acidic and wear away the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to staining from other food and beverages. Tobacco use is another major contributor. Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco contain tar and nicotine which quickly target the tooth enamel causing brown or yellow stains on your teeth.
Additionally, some medications can cause discoloration in adults; in children it can be caused by the use of high concentrations of fluoride during dental visits or in drinking water which leads to fluorosis (white spots). It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices throughout one’s life in order to help prevent future tooth discoloration and damage.
Diet and Beverages
Diet and beverages are a common cause of tooth discoloration. Consumption of dark liquids like coffee, tea, red wine and colas can stain the surface of teeth over time. Sugary drinks, especially those that contain acids, like citrus juices and sodas can help erode away the enamel on teeth leading to more severe staining below the surface. Starchy snacks like potato chips can also stick to dental surfaces and cause discoloration. Avoiding, or at least limiting these type of beverages and snacks, is essential to avoiding teeth stained caused by diet and beverages.
Complicating matters even more is that as we age, our enamel weakens further making us even more susceptible to staining from darker liquids than when we were younger. Additionally some medications taken following major dental treatments or after a root canal may lead to tooth discoloration due to changes in the composition of the saliva which result in increased staining on the dental surfaces.
To reduce the risk of permanently stained or discolored teeth due to diet or medication it’s important to follow proper oral hygiene care which includes:
- Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing daily.
- Regularly visiting your dentist for professional cleaning every six months.
This will help prevent future stains as well as ensure any existing discoloration is addressed quickly before it becomes worse with time.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can stain teeth a yellowish-brown color. Tar and nicotine in smoke are both very stiff and cling to teeth, making it difficult to whiten them. Additionally, the heat generated by smoking can darken already stained teeth even further.
Quitting smoking is an important step in preventing and reversing tooth discoloration; however, if cannot quit altogether and are aware that long-term smokers may benefit from in-depth cosmetic dentistry or bleaching treatments to remove stains.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available today. It’s a great way to improve the aesthetics of your smile by lightening the colour of your teeth. In this article, we will take a look at how professional teeth whitening can help individuals with badly stained teeth achieve a brighter, white smile.
In-office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is an effective treatment for those with badly stained teeth. It offers immediate results and gives the teeth a bright, white appearance. The whitening process begins with a thorough examination of the patient’s dental condition. This includes taking X-rays and impressions to determine the ideal shade that can be achieved with professional whitening treatments.
During in-office treatments, a professional whitening gel is applied directly to the teeth, where it is left over a period of time. Afterward, an LED light may be used to help activate or “boost” the effect of the gel. Depending on the severity of staining, multiple application sessions may be necessary to reach desired result, which usually take around 45 minutes per session.
This form of treatment also carries fewer risks than store-bought products with at-home usage because it is supervised and monitored by an oral healthcare professional—reducing chances of any permanent damage or enamel erosion that can be caused by too much exposure to peroxide based gels and solutions used by home products.
To ensure longer lasting results and prevent further staining or discoloration of the teeth in future, patients should maintain excellent oral hygiene practices such as:
- Visiting a dentist at least twice yearly for regular checkups and cleaning.
- Brushing their teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoiding smoking or consuming foods that are known to cause staining such as coffee, tea or soft drinks containing pigments that can diminish tooth color over time.
Take-home Teeth Whitening Kits
Take-home teeth whitening kits are an increasingly popular way to achieve professional-level whitening results in the comfort of your own home. The kits usually involve a tray that is custom-made to fit your teeth, as well as a whitening gel and a light or laser to enhance the effect of the gel. To whiten badly stained teeth, take-home teeth whitening kits can be used consistently over a period of time with great results.
The best part about take-home teeth whitening kits is that they offer excellent value for money – it’s much cheaper than professional in-office treatments and can provide long lasting results depending upon how diligent you are about upkeep and maintenance. Depending on the brand you choose, many offer longer duration use for maintaining your desired level of brightness between treatments. Additionally, most take-home kit trays are reusable and refills can often be purchased separately from the original kit at discounted prices. Furthermore, manufacturers often offer easy instructions for preparation and application so that you can get started with minimal fuss!
Natural Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants a bright and beautiful smile, and teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get it. There are a number of different methods for teeth whitening, and many of them are natural.
From toothpaste and natural products to home remedies, this article will cover the various options for natural teeth whitening:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener. It is a very fine grit and should be used in combination with a toothbrush for maximum effectiveness. Baking soda is part of the abrasive family and helps to remove tartar build-up, particulates, and discoloration that can take away from the natural beauty of your smile.
To use baking soda:
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water.
- Dampen your toothbrush and dip it in the mixture you just made.
- Brush your teeth gently in circular motions for two minutes. For deeper stains, rub gently with baking soda directly on the stained areas of your teeth before brushing normally.
- Be sure to rinse thoroughly after each use to avoid ingesting any baking soda as it can upset your stomach if too much is ingested at once.
- Repeat this process every other day for optimum results.
You should also be aware that it can take several weeks for baking soda to achieve the desired results; however, many users report noticeable results within two or three uses over the course of one week due to its mild abrasiveness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits, but did you know you can use it to whiten your teeth? While there is no scientific research confirming its effectiveness, anecdotal evidence suggests that using apple cider vinegar as a tooth-whitening agent may be successful in some situations.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural product and it contains acetic acid. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent to help remove surface stains from your teeth and freshen your breath. The acidic nature of the vinegar works to break down plaque and tartar build-up on teeth when used regularly.
When using apple cider vinegar as a tooth whitener, the most important step is to dilute it with water before putting it into your mouth. Doing so helps reduce the potential for damage that could be caused by the high acidity of the vinegar itself. To do this:
- Combine one part water with one part apple cider vinegar and mix together in a cup
- Rinse your mouth with the diluted mixture for 30 seconds before spitting out
- Follow up with plain water afterward to make sure all of the residue has been removed
- Repeat this process at least three times per week
It’s important to note that long term use of Apple Cider Vinegar can actually cause erosion on tooth enamel which can lead to sensitivity and staining afterwards. Therefore if any hyperpigmentation remains after whiteing your teeth, you might want to look into other natural options such as baking soda or activated charcoal for effective whitening without causing any damage or further discoloration!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in many store-bought tooth whitening and bleaching products, including gels, trays and strips. It is also found in some at-home tooth bleaching kits, which are available for purchase at most drug stores. Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen molecules when it comes into contact with the stains on your teeth, which helps to break them down and remove them. This process, known as oxidization, is often used to whiten teeth and is a popular method for those who want to avoid expensive professional treatments.
When using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the product. If you were to overuse hydrogen peroxide or leave it on your teeth for too long, you could damage tooth enamel or cause excessive sensitivity and discomfort. Therefore, it is best to follow manufacturer instructions carefully when using hydrogen peroxide products and only use them as directed.
In addition, always use toothpaste containing fluoride after using hydrogen peroxide as this will help protect your enamel from damage caused by the oxidizing agent in hydrogen peroxide.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is an increasingly popular method for natural teeth whitening. Activated charcoal refers to a form of carbon that has been processed at high temperatures for the purpose of creating a substance with a high level of absorbency. It works by binding with surface stains on the teeth and can be used to remove mild to moderate discoloration.
Activated charcoal does not contain any bleaching agents, so you will not achieve the same level of whiteness as you would with products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. However, it is gentle and effective without causing any damage to the enamel and can generally be used every day without risk of damage or sensitivity issues.
To use activated charcoal as an effective teeth whitening agent, simply wet your toothbrush and dip it into the powder before brushing your teeth normally for two minutes. When you’re done brushing, make sure to rinse thoroughly, particularly around your gum line where the particles may have become trapped in food residue or plaque build-up. You should start to notice results relatively quickly compared to other whitening treatments; however, they will usually last only until new stains appear on your teeth’s surface such as those caused by coffee or wine consumption.
Other Teeth Whitening Options
In addition to in-office teeth whitening treatments, there are other options available to help you get a brighter and whiter smile. Over-the-counter products such as gels, trays, and strips can be purchased at your local drug store and can help to lift surface stains off of your teeth. Furthermore, some home remedies can be tried to help whiten your teeth without having to consult a dentist.
Let’s take a closer look at the other teeth whitening options available:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great option for those looking for an effective long-term solution to stained or discolored teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded directly to the surface of your natural teeth. The color, size, and shape of the veneers can be tailored to match your existing dentition, providing you with a bright, natural looking smile.
Veneers hold up very well and are stain resistant, so they can help keep your teeth looking as bright and white as the day they were installed. They also provide protection against further staining and can even strengthen weaker teeth.
Veneers are generally recommended if you want a dramatic transformation and result that will last over time. They require little preparation of your existing tooth structure, so many patients like the minimally invasive nature of this approach when compared with other corrective procedures like crowns or bridges. Porcelain veneers require 2-3 appointments to complete and results will last approximately 10-15 years before needing to be replaced.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be an effective way to whiten badly stained teeth. This procedure, also known as composite resin veneers, uses a color-matched material to cover the surface of stained teeth. The material is applied and sculpted over the stain in order to cover and disguise it.
Dental bonding is relatively inexpensive and can usually be completed in one short office visit. It does not require any drilling or removal of enamel, and it does not need time for impressions and wait for fabrication at a laboratory. However, its effects are considered temporary since the dental composite resin may break down or chip over time from regular use.
Many patients opt for dental bonding as a more affordable alternative to professional teeth whitening treatments or custom ceramic prosthetic veneers; this is particularly true if their stained teeth involve minimal damage to their enamel. Bonding also increases resistance to staining compared with some other teeth whitening options; however, it’s important to keep your oral hygiene routine consistent regardless of whether you use dental bonding or not in order to maintain good oral health and reduce discoloration risks of your un-bonded teeth with normal daily activity such as eating certain foods or drinking tough beverages like coffee, tea or wine.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a popular and effective treatment for badly stained or discoloured teeth. A porcelain dental crown is fitted to the existing natural tooth, replacing some of the damaged tooth structure with a custom-made crown that looks just like the rest of your natural teeth. Unlike many other teeth whitening options, dental crowns have the added benefit of providing additional support and protection to weakened or cracked teeth while significantly improving their appearance.
Crown placement requires two visits to your dentist and can involve:
- Preparation of the tooth by filing down some of its outer surface.
- Taking impressions and fabricating crowns in a lab environment.
Before placing your new crown, you may opt for further whitening treatments to ensure optimal colour match between your existing natural teeth and your new dental crowns. With proper care, these restorations can last over 10 years, making them an ideal solution when seeking a long-term aesthetic result.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most permanent teeth whitening solutions, and provide much more than just a brighter smile. A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jawbone to support replacement teeth. These implants last for a lifetime, enhancing your ability to chew and restoring missing teeth to a more natural-looking appearance. Since they’re attached directly to bone, they don’t require any special treatments or whitening products.
The procedure involves surgically placing the implant into the jawbone underneath the gum line. Over the next few months, they will slowly bond with the bone in what’s known as osseointegration. Once it’s healed and secure, a custom-made tooth restoration will be placed on top of it for visible results. This can be anything from a single crown to several artificial teeth designed with realistic-looking features like dental bridges or dentures.
Although this technique is not always considered legitimate when discussing teeth whitening options, it’s important to note that dental implants can contribute greatly to your overall oral health – whereas bleaching products like gels or strips may only temporarily offer results. Furthermore, dentures or bridges made from quality materials such as porcelain often exhibit a level of lustre similar to natural teeth rather than becoming dull and discoloured over time. This makes them perfect for maintaining beautiful smiles while allowing you some freedom from expensive whitening procedures in the future.