What you Need to Know About Tooth Discolouration

A common concern people have with their teeth is that they aren't as "white" or "bright" as they'd like or used to be. Tooth staining and discolouration are universal concerns affecting many people, and whitening is a multi-million dollar industry. 

Why do teeth become stained?

There are many reasons why teeth stain. Some factors we can't control, and some we can. A whiter, brighter smile is within reach for most people. It's crucial to speak with your dentist about the causes of your tooth discolouration and what the best treatment plan is for you. Listed below are causes of tooth staining:

  1. Tobacco use: Tobacco in the form of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even chewing tobacco can cause surface and internal staining to teeth. 
  2. Foods/drinks: Any foods and beverages with darker pigmentation can cause staining. Common culprits are coffee, tea, red wine, pop and berries. 
  3. Poor oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth is the best way to help reduce staining. Pigmentation builds up on tooth surfaces and is not cleaned away. Maintain excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist and dental hygienist routinely for cleanings. 
  4. Ageing: Teeth tend to stain and discolour with age. The underlying yellow tooth structure, called dentin, grows thicker with age. 
  5. Medications: Certain drugs can cause tooth staining. Some antibiotics may disrupt enamel formation in children, leading to discolouration. An example of one of these antibiotics is tetracycline. Medications such as chlorhexidine can cause surface staining. Antihistamines and antipsychotics can also cause discolouration. 
  6. Medical conditions: Medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth to discolour. Infections in pregnant mothers can prevent enamel from forming correctly for the baby and lead to tooth discolouration.
  7. Genetics: Some people are more prone to having a lighter or darker shade of teeth, which comes down to genetics.
  8. Silver fillings: These are dark grey and can appear through thinner areas of enamel, like a shadow. 
  9. Trauma: Trauma in younger children, while adult teeth are still forming, can disrupt the proper formation of enamel. Sports injuries can also cut off blood flow to teeth, leading to darkening. 
  10. Excess fluoride: This condition is called fluorosis and is caused by excess fluoride ingestion, either from the water or from topical sources such as toothpaste. Fluorosis appears as white speckled spots on the teeth. 

What are Treatment Options for Staining? 

Various products help improve the shade and brightness of your smile. Pinpointing the type of staining you are experiencing is vital in choosing the right product.

Talk to your dentist about the kind of staining you have, the severity of the staining, and what the best treatment options are. When the staining is internal, there are many ways to improve stained teeth, including fillings, crowns, veneers, and bonding. For milder stains/surface stains, whitening products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, white strips and in-office whitening are excellent options.

To prevent the build up of stains and teeth discolouration, it is important to maintain your routine dental cleanings. During this time, your dental hygienist will remove bacteria and stain accumulation. 

 If you have questions about dental stains or believe you may be due for a dental cleaning, contact us today to schedule an appointment



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Mississauga Dental Arts

(905) 286-1569

Mississauga, ON Dentist
Mississauga Dental Arts
350 Burnhamthorpe Road East #2
Mississauga, ON L5A 3S5
(905) 286-1569