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TEETH STAINS/ DISCOLOURATION

The human teeth are vulnerable to discolouration, which could be as a result of many factors including staining from drinks (e.g. coffee) or foods, poor oral hygiene and certain medications. Staining can occur on the tooth surface or below the enamel.

Types Of Tooth Stains

There are three main types of tooth discolouration;

  • Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This involves the staining of the underneath surface of the tooth. Intrinsic teeth stains can be caused by the accumulation of pigmented residue from foods and drinks, and stain particles within the enamel of the tooth. Certain studies have also linked the excessive use of fluoride to intrinsic teeth stains. It is difficult to remove; hence it might require bleaching of the affected teeth. There are several teeth-whitening products you can use to bleach your teeth.
  • Extrinsic Teeth Stains: This involves the staining of the surface of the teeth. External teeth stains occur when pigmented residue from food or beverages accumulate and cover the tooth enamel. The major causes of the extrinsic teeth stains are coffee, tea, cola drinks and tobacco. Fortunately, it is easier to remove these stains through regular brushing and cleaning of the teeth with whitening tooth products.
  • Age-Related Teeth Stains:The core tissue of the teeth, the dentine, usually discolours over time. The human teeth naturally turn to yellow as we age. The enamel will become thinner, exposing the dentine. Usually, both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains combine to cause Age-related teeth stains. The extrinsic factors such as the staining of the teeth by tobacco, coffee, and some other foods are responsible for the discolouration of the teeth.

Causes Of Tooth Stains

There are several causes of tooth stains. Some of these causes can be avoided or prevented, while many are beyond human control. The following are some of the major causes of teeth stains:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor dental care can consequently lead to the discolouration of the teeth.
  • Food And Drinks: Certain foods and drinks have been proven to cause discolouration of the teeth. Dark sodas, coffee, red wine, tea, some fruits and vegetables can stain the teeth.
  • Tobacco and Cigarettes:Chewing of tobacco and smoking of cigarettes contribute significantly to the discolouration of the teeth.
  • Medications: Certain medications such as chemotherapy, anti-hypertensive drugs, antipsychotics and antihistamines can cause staining of the teeth.
  • Trauma and Disease: Teeth discolouration can occur as a result of any trauma, disease or illness that could have affected the enamel development in children. Trauma could occur while the child is still in the womb or while the teeth aredeveloping (usually under age 8).

What Is My Teeth Colour?

Tooth colour is usually subjective; hence, it can be difficult to identify the effectiveness of teeth-whitening products. The most effective method dentists use to evaluate the effectiveness of teeth-whitening products is by taking high-resolution digital images of the teeth. The whitening effects can be represented in three ways: decrease in yellowness, decrease in redness and increase in lightness.

Teeth DiscolourationIn The Elderly

Tooth discolouration is part of the ageing process even though it is not one of our favourite body changes. You might be wondering why older adults are susceptible to tooth discolouration. You need to know that the outer layer of the tooth – enamel- gets thinner as one grows older. When the enamel thins out, the dentine which is the yellow coloured core tissue of the tooth will be exposed. Injury to the teeth or consumption of certain beverages such as coffee over the years can contribute to the staining of the teeth.

How To Remove Stains From Teeth

Several treatment options are available for the removal of teeth stains.  First of all, you need to maintain a consistent oral care routine. You should brush your teeth twice daily and also floss once a day.You should also carry out routine whitening maintenance in order promote whiter and brighter teeth.

Your dentist can also recommend trusted teeth whitening options to remove stains from your teeth.

Do You Have More Questions?

If you still have more questions to ask concerning tooth discolouration and the available teeth whitening options, you can walk into our dental clinic on London where our dental team will attend to you.  You can contact us on 020 71830755 to make enquiries.

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we are keen to restore our patients’ confidence in their smile. Contact us today and let’s help remove the stains on your teeth.     

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