Do your teeth look like this - Teeth Discolouration

Blog Originally Published: Feb 10, 2016

Do Your Teeth Look Like This - Teeth Discolouration

What is causing your teeth to become discoloured? There are many flaws that can compromise the appearance of your smile, but teeth discoloration is probably one of the most noticeable. Here is a list to help you determine the cause of your discoloured teeth.

Foods/drinks. Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, red wines, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Genetics. Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.
Tobacco. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
Poor dental hygiene. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Disease and treatments for certain conditions. Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.
Advancing age. As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth is worn away and may reveal the natural yellow color of dentin.
Trauma. Damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in those whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.
Medications and mouthwash. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (before age 8). Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.
Dental materials. Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam fillings can cast a grey color to your teeth.
Environment. Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth).

How Can I Prevent Teeth Discoloration?

A few simple lifestyle changes may help you to prevent teeth discoloration. Improving your oral hygiene by brushing correctly and getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist (and keeping up with hygiene appointments when advised) will help. In addition, if you are a coffee drinker or smoker, you may consider cutting back or quitting all together.

What Treatment Options Are Available to Whiten Teeth?

Treatment options to whiten teeth can vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and may include:

Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
Avoidance or limiting the foods and beverages that can cause staining and discolouration
Tooth Bonding
Veneers / crowns
Whitening treatment from your dentist

If your teeth appear to be an abnormal colour without ready explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, please make an appointment with a dentist.