Have you noticed your teeth aren't as white as they used to be?
There are different reasons why the teeth could be stained and losing their luminosity.
Types of discolouration:
Extrinsic (Stains affect the outer surface of the tooth). The common causes are:
Foods such as curry, soy, pasta, berries, cherries, pomegranates.
Drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine
Tobacco
Poor oral hygiene
Bacterial chromogens - primarily seen in children can cause yellow, orange, green staining.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash
Essential oils
Iron, copper and potassium permanganate medications
Long duration use of chlorinated pools
2. Intrinsic (Stains affecting the internal tooth structure). Some causes are:
Tetracycline staining - Tetracycline antibiotics used before the age of 8 or used in the second half of pregnancy.
Flurosis: Overexposure to fluoride during early childhood
Hereditary and systemic diseases of teeth like Amelogenesis Imperfecta, Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Congenital hyperbilirubinemia.
Enamel hypoplasia - due to injury or infection of the overlying primary tooth
Trauma - due to bleeding of the the nerve within the tooth
Dental procedures or materials - Endodontic therapy treated with minocycline paste , silver diamine fluoride.
3. Ageing : As we age, there is secondary dentin deposition, resulting in a yellowed appearance.
How to prevent extrinsic discoloration?
Brushing twice daily and rinsing the mouth with tap water after eating foods that cause staining.
Avoid food or drinks causing staining
Drink with a straw while consuming drinks that stain teeth whenever possible.
Floss your teeth everyday.
Quit smoking
How to fix intrinsic discoloration?
For intrinsic staining, book a visit to Dentaltown and our dentists will provide you with suitable options, based on the factor (s) causing it.