Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Wow, my teeth look a little yellow?" Maybe you've noticed that your teeth are a different color when you're smiling with a friend. This is actually a common problem for many people. So there's nothing to worry about. Today, we're going to talk about this change in the color of your teeth, which doctors call tooth discoloration .
What are the main ways teeth become discolored?
Simply put, there are two main ways our teeth can change color. This is like whether a stain forms on the outside of the tooth, or whether the color changes from the inside.
| The type that fades | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Extrinsic Discoloration | This is when stains form on the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel . This is caused by certain foods and habits that we eat. It's like a dirty stain on a white wall. |
| Intrinsic Discoloration | In this case, the discoloration starts from within the tooth itself. The layer beneath the enamel, called dentin, is affected here. This can be caused by things like an accident to the tooth or certain medications. |
Why do our teeth really change color?
There could be many reasons for this. Some of the reasons are within our control, but some are beyond our control. Let's look at these separately.
Causes we can prevent
- Dark-colored foods and drinks: Things we drink every day like tea, coffee, red wine, and soy sauce can stain teeth over time.
- Smoking and other tobacco use: Research has found that the teeth of people who smoke cigarettes and bidis discolor more quickly than those who do not. Eating betel leaves is also a major cause of this.
- Poor oral hygiene: When we don't brush our teeth properly, plaque builds up on our teeth. Stains can easily stick to this plaque. That's why it's important to brush and floss your teeth properly every day.
- Excessive Fluoride: Fluoride is a good thing that protects teeth from decay. However, if you get too much fluoride during childhood, when your teeth are developing , it can cause a condition called fluorosis . This causes white spots to appear on your teeth.
Reasons we have difficulty controlling
- Genetics: Some people are born with a different natural color and brightness of their teeth than others. It's something that's inherited.
- Dental Trauma: When a tooth is damaged due to falls, car accidents, or other accidents while playing sports, the color of that tooth may change.
- Aging: As we age, the outer enamel of our teeth gradually wears away, exposing the yellow layer of dentin underneath. So it's normal for teeth to look a little yellow as we age.
- Dental treatment: Some dental fillings, especially silver amalgam fillings, can cause teeth to appear gray. Also, tooth color can sometimes change after root canal therapy .
- Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, celiac disease , and calcium deficiency, can also cause teeth to discolor.
- Certain medications: Some medications for high blood pressure and allergies can cause teeth to discolor. In particular, adults who took antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline as children may develop dark stains on their teeth.
- Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck area can also cause teeth to become discolored.
What story does the color of the tooth tell?
Sometimes you can guess the cause of a stain on your tooth by looking at the color.
| Tooth color | Possible reason |
|---|---|
| Yellow color | Often eating dark foods or poor oral hygiene. |
| Brown color | Smoking or chewing gum is a major cause. If you have small holes (tooth decay) along with brown spots on your teeth, it could be a food for tooth worms. |
| Purple color | This is commonly seen in people who frequently drink beverages such as red wine. |
| Gray color | The nerve inside the tooth may be dead. This usually happens after some kind of accident (trauma). |
| White polka dots | Fluorosis can be caused by excessive fluoride exposure during childhood. |
| Blackheads | This is often the case where teeth have suffered severe decay. |
How does a dentist treat this?
Your dentist will determine the treatment method based on the cause of your tooth discoloration and whether the stains are on the outside or inside of the tooth.
- Teeth Whitening: There are professional treatments that can be done in a clinic or at home under the supervision of a doctor. These use substances like hydrogen peroxide to break down and remove stains from teeth.
- Dental Bonding: If there are deep stains that cannot be removed by teeth whitening, a tooth-colored composite resin can be bonded to the surface of the tooth to hide the stain.
- Porcelain Veneers: These are like thin shells that are worn over your teeth. These thin sheets of ceramic are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. They can cover up things like stains and imperfections in the shape of your teeth.
- Dental Crowns: If there is tooth decay or weakening along with tooth discoloration, your doctor may recommend placing a crown , an artificial tooth part that covers the tooth.
The most important thing is to talk to your dentist and decide which treatment is best for you.
How to prevent tooth discoloration?
While it is difficult to prevent deep stains caused by accidents, medications, or diseases, there are several things we can do to minimize the superficial stains that occur in everyday life.
- Brush your teeth two or three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Use floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth.
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as tea, coffee, cola, and red wine.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking such a drink.
- If you smoke, stop it completely.
- Visit a dentist at the scheduled time to have your teeth checked and cleaned.
When should I see a doctor?
Most of the time, tooth discoloration is just an aesthetic issue. However, if it makes you feel embarrassed or embarrassed to smile in public, there's nothing wrong with getting it treated.
However, if you experience toothache, bad breath, bleeding gums, or other symptoms along with your tooth discoloration , see a dentist right away. Early detection and treatment of these problems can help prevent more serious problems in the future.
Take-Home Message
- Tooth discoloration is a very common condition. There can be many reasons for it.
- Some causes (diet, smoking, hygiene) are preventable. Others (heredity, aging) are beyond our control.
- The color of the tooth stain can sometimes provide a clue as to the cause.
- Before using any teeth whitening products on the market, be sure to consult your dentist.
- If you have other symptoms such as pain or bleeding gums along with tooth discoloration, see a doctor immediately.
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