Tooth Discolouration – Treatment, Causes & Prevention

A healthy smile matters to many people, but what if your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be? 

You’re not alone. Many people have discoloured teeth, and there are treatment options that may help.  

Various factors cause teeth discolouration. Some are a direct result of specific habits, while others occur indirectly, for example as a side effect of something you consume. Factors beyond our control can also cause discoloured teeth.

In this article, you will learn about teeth whitening, the causes of teeth discolouration, and the treatment options available. 

 

What Is Teeth Discolouration?

Teeth discolouration refers to changes in the colour of teeth from their natural shade. It can be extrinsic, affecting the outer enamel, or intrinsic, altering the inner dentine. Causes range from dietary habits and ageing to medications and certain medical conditions. Good dental care may help reduce discolouration.

Causes of Discoloured Teeth

Most often, discolouration happens because of what you drink or because of certain medications. Other times, it can be caused by foods high in sugar or salt. Discolouration can also occur because of a virus, bacteria or fungus. 

In addition to these causes, there are other reasons why people might have discoloured teeth – primarily if they practise poor dental hygiene habits. 

One of the most common reasons is what we eat and drink. Beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea can cause teeth to become stained. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause teeth to become discoloured. 

Another common reason for tooth discolouration is age. As people get older, their teeth often start to yellow. 

The Most Common Reasons for Discoloured Teeth

• Tooth decay: This is a common cause of tooth discolouration. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause the tooth to become black or brown.  
• Tooth wear: This is caused by grinding your teeth, using your teeth to open bottles or cans, or using them to chew on hard objects. Over time, this can cause the teeth to become yellow or brown.
• Tobacco use: Tobacco can cause the teeth to become yellow, brown, or black.  
• Food and drink: Strongly coloured foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can cause the teeth to become discoloured.
• Alcohol use: Regular intake of alcohol can cause tooth discolouration.
• Cannabis use: Also called marijuana or weed, cannabis can lead to an increased risk of tooth discolouration and gum problems. 

Bad Dental Hygiene Causes Teeth Discolouration

While most people know that bad dental hygiene can cause various health problems, only a few people understand the direct link between bad dental hygiene and tooth discolouration. 

This phenomenon is called dental fluorosis, which results from exposure to higher-than-recommended levels of fluoride while the teeth are developing in childhood. It usually appears as faint white flecks or lines on the enamel. At the levels used in Australian water supplies and toothpaste, fluoride is considered safe and helps protect teeth against decay. 

Dental fluorosis is one form of intrinsic tooth discolouration, but it isn’t the only one. Other forms include: 

• Tetracycline staining: grey or brown banding caused by certain antibiotics taken while the teeth were developing;
• Trauma: a tooth that has been knocked can darken over time if the nerve inside is damaged;
• Enamel hypoplasia: where the enamel did not form properly, leaving it thin, pitted or discoloured; 

Tooth discolouration does not usually go away on its own, which is why it’s important to speak with your dentist about what might be causing it. Regular dental visits can help identify the cause and the treatment options that may suit you. 

How Do Dentists Treat Discoloured Teeth?

Professional Teeth Cleaning

This is often the first line of treatment. Dentists can remove some surface stains that regular home cleaning can’t manage, which may help restore your teeth’s natural colour.

Teeth Whitening

For persistent extrinsic stains, your dentist might recommend a professional whitening treatment. This procedure involves the application of a bleaching agent to the teeth and may lighten the shade of your teeth, although results vary between patients.

Dental Veneers

If discolouration can’t be corrected with cleaning or whitening, veneers may be an option. These are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to change their colour and shape. Veneers usually involve permanently removing some tooth enamel and may need maintenance or replacement over time, so your dentist will discuss whether they are suitable for you.

Dental Bonding

In this procedure, a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light. This bonds the material to the tooth to help improve its appearance.

Crowns

For severe discolouration, a dentist might suggest a crown, which fully covers a tooth and may help restore its shape and appearance.

How To Prevent Discoloured Teeth

While there are many ways to whiten teeth, good habits may help reduce staining. Here are a few tips on how to avoid teeth discolouration:

1. Limit dark-coloured foods and drinks

Some of the most common culprits of teeth discolouration are dark-coloured foods and drinks. The natural pigments in these foods and drinks can stain teeth over time, leading to yellow or brownish discolouration. To help prevent this, try to limit dark-coloured foods and drinks, and rinse with water after having them.

2. Practise good oral hygiene habits

One of the best ways to prevent teeth discolouration is to practise good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and using a mouthwash. By keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque, you can help prevent them from discolouring.

3. Use teeth whitening toothpaste

If you are already experiencing teeth discolouration, whitening toothpaste may help remove some surface stains. There are many different brands of whitening toothpaste on the market, so ask your dentist which one is right for you.

 However, some whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, so it is a good idea to consult your dentist before choosing one. 

4. Consider using a teeth whitening kit

You may also want to consider a teeth whitening kit. These kits usually contain a bleaching agent, which may help to lighten the shade of your teeth. Results vary, so ask your dentist which option is suitable for you.

5. Visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening

You may want to visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening to support good results. Professional whitening may help lighten teeth by several shades, though results and timeframes vary between patients.

Conclusion

If you would like advice from a dentist, other treatments are also available for tooth discolouration, including cosmetic dentistry.

At Mindarie Quinns Dental, we offer a range of dental treatments that may help improve the appearance of your smile. 

Your dentist will discuss the possible risks and side effects of whitening with you before any treatment. Results vary by individual. 

If you’re interested in teeth whitening or any other dental services, contact us to discuss your options.