Tooth Discoloration: Understanding the Causes & Its Treatments

Over the years, people have become increasingly conscious of how their teeth look. Tooth discoloration is one of the most prevalent complaints, but most tooth stains or discolorations can be effectively treated thanks to advanced dental treatments. The question is, where do you get these stains or discolorations from in the first place? Knowing where and how you can get them can prevent them from happening, which will save you a trip to the dentist for a cosmetic procedure that will cost you money!

Before we go any further, here are two types of tooth discoloration that you should know about:

• Extrinsic: This tooth discoloration is seen on the outer layer of the tooth that can range from white streaks, yellow tints, and brown spots.
• Intrinsic: This is more stubborn because the stain or discoloration occurs in the tooth’s inner structure. In most cases, people with intrinsic tooth discoloration would require veneers.

Causes Of Tooth Discoloration

If you want to prevent or manage your tooth discoloration, it’s crucial that you first know what causes it. As you may or may not know, there are many reasons behind this, and the most common cause is the specific foods and drinks you consume. Unfortunately, your beloved cup of Joe can actually make you more prone to tooth discoloration, as well as wines and sodas. Likewise, food choices like potatoes, cherries, and blueberries can also cause tooth discoloration.

Another cause is tobacco use, whether it’s from smoking or chewing tobacco; excessive use can cause tooth discoloration.

Remember that your dental hygiene plays a crucial role here as well. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can easily build up over time and cause tooth stains. On the other hand, there are some conditions that are unavoidable, such as certain diseases, medical treatments, trauma, and medications. Ultimately, improper dental work, genetics, and aging may also cause tooth discoloration.

Treatments For Tooth Discoloration

Consider yourself lucky to be living in a world where there are now many dental advancements. With these modern solutions, it has now become easier to treat tooth discolorations!

There are various treatment options you can choose from, but this will likely depend on the cause. For this reason, when you come in for a treatment, you will undergo a comprehensive oral health evaluation to identify the cause of the discoloration along with other dental issues you may have.

Treatment options typically include composite bonding, crowns, and veneers. These treatments are usually recommended if teeth whitening or bleaching will not work.

Another effective treatment is to practice good dental hygiene, which means that you need to brush and floss daily and get your teeth cleaned every six months or more, depending on your dentist's recommendation. By doing so, surface stains and bacteria may be removed, which will prevent tooth discoloration!

Conclusion

If you suffer from tooth discoloration, it’s essential that you understand its causes before you seek treatment. That way, you will be able to identify it to prevent it from getting worse. The same applies to individuals who are afraid to have stained teeth. When you know what causes it, you can take a proactive approach to prevent it as much as possible.

The good news is that you won’t be stuck with discolored teeth for the rest of your life. The right dental treatment will make everything brighter and whiter for you once again. Just make sure you follow good dental hygiene afterward!

If you’re looking for a professional dentist in Ann Arbor who can help you resolve your tooth discoloration, Dental House is the best place to go. We offer a wide range of services to address tooth discoloration so that you can look forward to a whiter and brighter smile. Book an appointment with us today!