How to get your discolored tooth fixed
February 4, 2021 6:19 pmIf you have discolored teeth, then you’ll have noticed a change in your smile – your teeth might have become more grey, yellow, brown, or simply appear darker than the whiteness you remember from the past. They might also have spots on them, that are either white or darker.
In any case, if your teeth are discolored, it’s good to understand why it’s happened – and how they can be fixed.
What causes stained teeth?
There are many causes of tooth staining, and they fit into three categories. You might be suffering from one, two – or all three.
Extrinsic tooth staining
This means that the tooth staining is only on the outside, on the protective tooth enamel that covers your teeth. This is usually caused by something that has come into contact with your teeth. Examples could include food and drink, like red wine, tea and coffee, and chocolate, as well as the smoking or chewing of tobacco.
Intrinsic tooth staining
This means that the staining is actually inside your teeth, under the enamel. This can be caused by some medications, by an injury to the tooth, decay, or just your family genes.
While too much fluoride can also cause tooth staining and spots, this is rarer, as it’s only very high doses of fluoride that can cause the staining. If you have suffered an injury to your tooth then you might only have one, an injured tooth that is darker than the rest. This is usually because the enamel or the nerve underneath has been damaged.
Age-related stained teeth
Unfortunately – there is not much we can do to avoid this! As you get older, your tooth enamel wears away a bit – this reveals more of the yellow-colored dentine that sits underneath.
What is tooth discoloration treatment like?
If the discoloration is very superficial, then you might find over-the-counter treatments that take the staining back a shade or two. However, if the stains are intrinsic – this isn’t going to work. Your dentist near you can suggest a good in-the-chair tooth discoloration treatment that is right for you. In any case, it’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist, as stained teeth can also be a symptom of underlying problems that need to be fixed, such as tooth
decay or enamel demineralization.
Scale and polish
A simple scaling in the hygienist’s chair can help improve the appearance of your smile. That’s because scaling removes tartar on your teeth, making them much cleaner than you could achieve at home with your toothbrush – and revealing the true whiteness of your enamel underneath. Removing tartar is also great for the overall health of your teeth and
gums.
Tooth whitening
A dentist near you can offer you very effective, light-activated whitening treatments that can make your teeth many shades lighter. It’s always best to whiten your teeth via your dentist, as they will have professional, medically-approved products that can be used in a safe environment and without any damage to your teeth. It can also take as little as 45
minutes from start to finish!
Veneers
If whitening is not possible, then veneers might be a good alternative. A veneer will cover any cosmetic flaws on the surface of your tooth and will look like your real tooth as well. Your dentist will be able to help get the right veneer created for you.
Crowns
Where there is an underlying problem with the tooth, such as a big cavity, then a different tooth discoloration treatment might be needed. A crown fits over your tooth and can hide extensive damage. So, if your dentist has had to remove a lot of your tooth, this can help support and cover it. However, fitting a crown involves removing tooth enamel – so your dentist will be best to advise if it’s necessary or not.
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