There are two main culprits to tooth discoloration (or a darkened tooth). The first? We can thank stains to the exterior of the tooth, which causes a color change to the enamel. The second type is trigger by intrinsic color changes inside the tooth. We’ll talk more about both causes here, and shed some light on solutions to treating these common issues.
Exterior Darkened Tooth
When we stain the extrinsic layer of the tooth (also known as enamel), often prolonged discoloration of the tooth is the result. While many people love their social glass of wine or a morning cup of joe to get the day started, these color-concentrated drinks are likely to cause some discoloration of the enamel. Drinking dark soda and smoking cigarettes are also among the top contenders for color changes to our pearly whites.
Intrinsic Tooth Darkening
Changes to the tooth’s dentin, or interior of the tooth, may often be caused by various factors including higher-than-normal levels of fluoride exposure, especially at a young age. Also, exposure to tetracycline antibiotics in the womb may also be a link to tooth discoloration after birth. For some, it’s as simple as an injury when the teeth are in their developmental phase. Clearly, there is an array of causes linked to darkened teeth. But what can we do to fix it?
Treating Discoloration
To remove extrinsic stains, have your professional cleaning every 6 months, and remember to brush and floss daily. For more advanced staining, some people turn to professional-grade whitening (or bleaching) that varies in strength. You might also consider switching to a whitening toothpaste, though it’s important to note that such an agent will not completely alter the entire color of the tooth.
For intrinsic stains, bleaching the enamel won’t do any justice. However, your dentist may determine that you’re a good candidate for bleaching on the inside of the tooth. Other effective methods include crowns, veneers and color-matched composite bonding to cover the discolored areas entirely.
If a darkened tooth is something you’re dealing with, you don’t have to. Let’s discuss your options and devise a plan that works just for your unique oral makeup.