Tooth Discolouration – The Causes And Treatments

Why some people’s teeth become discoloured and what can be done about it.

Perhaps the most common complaint that people have about the way that their teeth look is when they become discoloured. This can be anything from them simply losing the bright whiteness that they once had to heavy staining that causes them to become a dark shade of yellow or even brown.

In most instances, it is possible to whiten the teeth again, but, where possible, it is preferable to avoid this discolouration in the first instance. In today’s blog, we will take a look at some of the potential causes and the possible treatments to restore them. In most cases, the problem will be largely cosmetic but there may be underlying health issues too.

Stained enamel

This is one of the most common causes of tooth discolouration and is also one of the most straightforward to rectify. Some food products are known to stain teeth. These include tea and coffee and red wine amongst others. The problem can be worsened if you drink a lot of acidic drinks such as fizzy and sugary drinks. This causes enamel erosion which roughens the tooth surface and allows staining products to attach more easily. Smoking will also significantly contribute to tooth staining and can cause them to become a dark brown colour eventually.

To restore teeth where surface staining is the cause of the problem, the most straightforward treatment is to have a tooth whitening procedure at our Wickford dental practice. This can whiten your teeth by several shades in a short period of time. For more severe staining, porcelain veneers may be more appropriate.

Internal discolouration

While we can do much to prevent, or at least slow down, external staining, there is also another type which happens naturally and which we have little or no control over. This happens when the softer and more porous layer, known as dentin, which lies below the enamel surface, starts to darken. This happens as we get older and is simply an inevitable part of ageing. What isn’t inevitable though is having to put up with having discoloured teeth for the rest of your life. As with surface staining, either a teeth whitening procedure or dental veneers should be able to restore your teeth to a more natural and attractive shade of white.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay can cause dark patches to appear on the tooth surface or to discolour it more generally. To treat this you will need to visit the Cygnet Dental Practice to have this assessed by one of our experienced dental team.  The treatment provided will depend on the situation and a tooth coloured filling can sometimes help to restore the tooth in an aesthetically pleasing way. Where the problem is more extensive, the use of a crown may be another option.

Dental trauma

This is most likely to occur as the result of an accident or fall. It is especially not uncommon in people who take part in contact sports. For example, being hit with the ball in the mouth during a football game could cause this.

The discolouration is often caused by damage being done to the blood vessels and nerves within the tooth. Any discolouration following an incident such as this should be investigated promptly. In some cases, it may be that the root canals have been affected by the trauma and may need to be treated.

While a tooth whitening treatment may sometimes be effective in treating this; where the damage is significant, veneers are likely to be a better option. If the root canals have been damaged, a root canal procedure may be necessary.

Medical conditions

Some illnesses and the subsequent treatments and medication can sometimes lead to tooth discolouration. You should not stop your treatment if this is the case but discuss it with your doctor if it is a cause for concern. Where it is the side effect of a drug, it may be possible to prescribe an alternative but you should always seek professional help.

Options such as teeth whitening or dental veneers may be appropriate in restoring the appearance of your teeth but this will depend on individual cases and will need to be discussed with your dentist so that the most appropriate treatment can be provided.

As you can see, there are a number of potential causes for tooth discolouration which could affect our Wickford patients at any time in their life. It is good then, to know that we have a range of treatments that can hopefully help you to restore your smile. If you are suffering from tooth discolouration, or have any concerns, whether general or aesthetic, please do give us a call. You can contact the Cygnet Dental Practice by phoning us on 01268 733078.