Are you tired of hiding your smile in public because your yellow teeth make you embarrassed every time? You are not alone; a major part of the population faces this tooth discoloration dental issue.
We will discuss the major root causes of tooth discoloration with its possible treatment options. We will also talk about the types of tooth discoloration, so let’s get started!
What is Tooth Discoloration?
It is a situation when the color of your teeth changes to yellow, brown, gray, or sometimes even black. There are many reasons behind this that make your teeth unpleasant to look at. However, these factors can be your lifestyle, medical conditions, or any injury.
Fortunately, we have some experienced advice and tips that help you get back your shiny pearls (teeth). Keep on reading to discover more!
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Below are the common types of tooth discoloration, understanding these types help you get the right treatment:
1. Extrinsic Discoloration
This kind of discoloration appears in the enamel surface of teeth while exposure to external factors such as food or drinks or smoking causes it. The main staining agents responsible for tooth discoloration include coffee, tea, red wine together with tobacco products. The substances eventually cause permanent staining of tooth enamel which develops into yellow tooth discoloration.
2. Intrinsic Discoloration
Discoloration appearing inside tooth material (dentin) represents intrinsic cases. Various causes, including genetic factors, tooth trauma, excessive fluoride consumption, and particular medications, produce this condition. Such discoloration is a challenging removal process because it goes through the multiple layers inside teeth.
3. Age Related Discoloration
Our enamel progressively becomes thinner with age so the dentin under it shows a yellow appearance. Yellow discoloration of teeth becomes visible because teeth lose their natural translucency. However, this type has characteristics of both Extrinsic and Intrinsic type. influences in the body.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
There are several reasons to cause discolored teeth. Read them below and try to habits that make yellow teeth.
1. Food and Drinks
You should avoid dark beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine because their pigments attach to the enamel. Moreover, berries and tomato sauce create stains on teeth.
2. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco items produce yellow-brown stains because they contain tar and nicotine that stick to to teeth surfaces.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Not following the routine of brushing and cleaning your teeth leads to yellow teeth. When you do not brush regularly, the plaque keeps building on the surface and causes stains.
4. Medications
Doxycycline and tetracycline antibiotics trigger internal staining processes that severely affect children in the development stage of their teeth. Tooth discoloration occurs as a result of both chemotherapy treatments and radiation therapy.
5. Fluoride Overexposure
The dental health benefits of fluoride do exist, but excessive fluoride intake, particularly during childhood stages, leads to brown tooth spots.
6. Tooth Trauma Discoloration
The inner tooth structures become damaged following traumatic injury; thus, a tooth shows a gray or dark appearance. The baby teeth discolored gray shows that there happened a pulp injury within the tooth.
7. Aging
As people age, their enamel layer becomes thinner, which results in revealing the natural yellow color of their dentin.
How to Fix Discolored Teeth?
Multiple proven tooth discoloration treatment exist both for treating and defending against tooth color changes. The appropriate therapy depends specifically on what kind of discoloration exists and what is its original cause.
1. Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening service from the dentist at SmileOn offers effective treatment to remove stains that lead to tooth lightening. The application of potent bleaching agents found in professional therapies provides patients with both quick treatment outcomes and lasting results.
2. At-Home Whitening Products
People can use whitening products available without prescription, such as toothpaste, strips, and gel, to remove light stains. The products prove inadequate for treating dark discoloration.
3. Dental Treatments
Patients needing treatment for severe discoloration of teeth will likely benefit from receiving veneers, bonding, or crown applications for their teeth. These dental treatments reduce stained teeth’ appearance and get them back to their natural state.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Stains will not develop if people brush their teeth regularly in a day and use mouthwash regularly. Dental professional cleanings remove stains very well that appear on the teeth surface.
5. Changes in Diet
The consumption of stain-producing foods and beverages creates discoloration in the teeth. After getting mineral-stained food or drink, the teeth should be rinsed, and then it is best to drink through a straw.
6. Treating Underlying Conditions
Addressing the medical reasons behind tooth trauma discoloration, dental injuries, medications, or health-related causes will help stop the process of tooth discoloration. A professional dental examination at SmileOn is necessary for patients to find their most suitable tooth discoloration treatment.
Conclusion
Many people face teeth discoloration, regardless of age. It develops due to dietary factors, the natural aging process, trauma to teeth, and insufficient dental care.
Therefore, knowledge about the nature of different tooth discoloration types with their treatments will help people preserve their teeth’s natural white appearance.
Moreover, various methods, including a visit to SmileOn Dental to let the experts treat your yellow teeth and modifications to daily routines help restore the original tooth color.
FAQs
Will my teeth be discolored after braces?
Braces directly aren’t the cause of yellow teeth. However, if you do not keep your teeth clean after braces, and brush daily, then it may lead to tooth discoloration. Because the food particles get stuck in braces, build up the plaque, and leave stains on teeth.
Can vitamin deficiency cause teeth discoloration?
Yes, a deficiency of vitamins A, C, and D causes yellowish teeth. These deficiencies make the upper protective layer thin, hence causing stains and discoloration.