Why do teeth change color? Understanding causes and treatments for tooth discoloration

Tooth discoloration can affect anyone and often impacts how we feel about our smiles. Understanding the various causes and the available treatments is crucial for restoring the natural brightness of the teeth. This article highlights the common reasons behind tooth discoloration and explores professional treatments to help you achieve a whiter, more confident smile.

Tooth Discoloration

• Tooth discoloration refers to the staining or darkening of teeth, which can occur for various reasons. Some causes, such as aging, trauma, or disease, are unavoidable, while others, like smoking and inadequate oral hygiene, are preventable.

There are two primary types of tooth discoloration:

Extrinsic Discoloration

• This form affects the outer surface of teeth (enamel) and is typically caused by exposure to certain environmental factors, such as specific foods and beverages.

Intrinsic Discoloration

• This type occurs inside the tooth and impacts the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel. It can result from dental trauma or the use of certain medications.

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

• Tooth discoloration can arise from various factors. Here’s a breakdown of both avoidable and unavoidable factors:

Avoidable Causes

• Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and soy sauce can lead to stains over time.
• Smokers and those who use tobacco are more likely to experience tooth discoloration than non-users.

Unavoidable Causes

Just like skin or hair color, the natural color, brightness, and clarity of teeth vary from person to person. Accidents, such as falls or sports injuries, can cause internal discoloration of teeth. Over time, tooth enamel thins, revealing more of the yellowish dentin beneath, which can make teeth appear more discolored.

• Certain treatments, like the use of silver amalgam in fillings and root canals, may cause a grayish tint.
• Diseases such as liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiencies, eating disorders, and metabolic disorders can influence tooth color.
• Some drugs, including antihistamines, medications for high blood pressure, and certain antibiotics taken during childhood, like tetracycline or doxycycline, can lead to tooth discoloration.
• Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the head and neck can also cause changes in tooth color.

Understanding these factors can help you identify the potential causes of tooth discoloration and explore appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth

• Dentists use various treatments for tooth discoloration, depending on its root cause and whether it affects the surface or inner layers of the teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

• In cases of widespread discoloration unresponsive to whitening, porcelain dental veneers can be considered. These thin ceramic shells are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth to mask discoloration or other cosmetic imperfections.

Dental Bonding

• Dental bonding involves applying tooth-colored composite resin to conceal the discoloration. While more affordable than alternatives like veneers, bonding may require periodic touch-ups and might not be suitable for extensive discoloration.

Teeth Whitening

• Professional teeth whitening treatments, either in-office or at home, utilize hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down and remove stains from the teeth. While these treatments are most effective for surface stains, they can also address deeper intrinsic stains to some extent. In-office bleaching typically takes about an hour, while take-home kits require daily treatments over several weeks.

Dental Crowns

• If discoloration is accompanied by weakened or decayed teeth, dental crowns may be recommended. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover and protect damaged teeth, improving both their appearance and function.

Contact Icon Dental Center today for teeth whitening treatment. We are one of the best dental professionals operating in Everett and Seattle. Call us today at (206) 225-2882, and let us help you smile with greater confidence.