DiscolouredTeeth Causes

Discoloured teeth and stained teeth can be caused by a myriad of reasons.

Some people are lucky enough to have naturally white teeth and others don’t. Discoloured and stained teeth can be caused by a wide range of factors. Our specialist’s dentists are able to provide a wide range of discoloured teeth treatments to help our patients achieve a brighter and whiter smile.

About This Condition

What Causes Discoloured Teeth?

The cause for the discolouration can be caused by a wide number of internal or external factors.

Extrinsic causes occur when the enamel becomes stained. Factors that contribute to the staining of teeth can include:

Consuming certain drinks – coffee, tea, red wine
Food containing turmeric
Constant drinking of lemon water/fruit juices can wear away the enamel
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Poor dental hygiene causes the build-up of tartar (plaque)

Intrinsic causes happen when the structure of the internal tooth (the dentine) becomes darker, showing through the enamel. Some reasons for this are:

Ageing- the enamel wears away with time exposing the underlying darker dentine
Being overexposed to fluoride as a child causes fluorosis
A tooth that has been root treated will darken
An untreated traumatised tooth
Antibiotic treatment in childhood for example tetracycline
Certain enamel conditions like amelogeneisis imperfecta

How To Treat Discoloured Teeth?

Maintaining good oral hygiene as well as good lifestyle choices is the best way to prevent and treat discolouration of the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as keeping up with regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are all good practices for maintaining good oral health, and your dentist will also help to remove any extrinsic stains. Avoiding certain foods and drinks such as those which are high in acidity is also advisable.

Treating discoloured teeth can vary, according to the reason and many people try home remedies. The best way to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist, who will advise you on the best way to give your teeth a natural lustre. This may range from simple home whitening remedies to cosmetic bonding or veneers.

To find out more about our specialist discoloured teeth treatment options or to discuss what could be causing your discoloured and stained teeth, please get in touch.

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