Tooth Discolouration
The appearance of the teeth particularly the colour is a concern to most people seeking dental treatment management nowadays. We focus on making our patients’ lives brighter through one smile at a time.
While teeth are usually composed of a variety of colours and gradation of colour happens in an individual tooth, teeth can stain or become darker due to three main reasons – Extrinsic stains, Intrinsic discolouration, and age-related colour changes.
Intrinsic discolouration: The dentin darkens or becomes yellowish due to excessive fluoride exposure in early childhood, use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger and maternal use of tetracycline during the second trimester of pregnancy period.
Extrinsic discolouration: The enamel changes colour due to drinks (coffee, wine or cola) and food (vegetables rich in xanthonoids or carotenoids), as well as the use of tobacco/cigarettes, and exposure to metallic compounds.
Age-related discolouration: The dentin naturally becomes yellowish as you age. The enamel gets thinner as you go through the process of aging and this allows the dentin to show through.
Proper diagnosis of tooth discolouration is vital as, perpetually, it affects treatment management results. Therefore, dentists should know the reason why tooth discolouration happens in order to come up with the right diagnosis and decide on the correct treatment to be implemented on their patients.
If you notice your teeth changing colours, you can contact or visit our dental office. Our dental experts will gladly assist you with your oral concerns!
-The Dentistry For You Team