Stained & Discoloured Teeth (Yellow teeth)
Teeth stains have many causes. Certain foods and drinks can cause teeth stains, and tooth discoloration is also a product of several biological factors, including the transparency of your tooth enamel.
Teeth become stained or discolored generally because of one or more of the following:
External: The stains are often superficial, and commonly caused by highly pigmented food, drinks or tobacco smoke. Treatments for external staining include air polishing, microabrasion techniques and whitening with peroxide. Avoiding high consumption of heavy staining food, drinks or smoking can reduce the build-up of external staining.
Internal: This is when the inner part of the tooth, called dentine, has a darker shade. Dark dentine could come from leaky amalgam (metallic) restorations, after root canal treatment, antibiotic use in infancy, trauma to teeth or rare genetic conditions such as dentinogenesis imperfecta. Treatments for internal staining of teeth are often a combination of bleaching and cosmetic coverage restorations such as dental veneers or full coverage crowns.
Age-related: As teeth age, the outer layer of enamel can become thin, allowing the yellow dentine to show through more easily. Additionally, years of food consumption, drinks and (in some individuals) tobacco use can add to the gradual discolouration of teeth. Often to restore discoloured teeth to their former beauty, cosmetic rehabilitation is required. To find out more about our treatment options available for stained or discolored teeth, contact us and start your journey towards the smile you’ve always dreamt of.
Fortunately, there are various treatment options for teeth stains. Keep your teeth healthy and looking great by maintaining a consistent oral health routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing, twice-yearly visits to your dentist, and by limiting your consumption of teeth-staining beverages. Periodic teeth whitening maintenance will help keep them looking whiter and brighter.
Over time, stained or discoloured teeth will continue to get worse, negatively impacting a person’s appearance and self confidence. Give our team at Pearson Dental a call so we can help find the right solution for you!
