The nitty gritty on tooth discoloration

There is a range of natural tooth colors that look beautiful, but sometimes tooth staining can create a color that is undesirable. Tooth staining comes in two basic categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. As the names suggest, extrinsic stains are present on the outside surface of your teeth (the enamel) and intrinsic stains are located inside the tooth surface (the dentin). This article will address reasons for tooth staining, prevention ideas, and possible solutions.

Extrinsic stains are the easiest to deal with. I see people daily who have extrinsic staining from the most common offenders which include coffee, red wine, and smoking. Other foods that have an effect on your teeth color are: cola, sports drinks, tea, sauces, berries, and sweets. Foods with deep coloring can be the immediate offender (berries, sauces, etc), and foods that contain acid (soda, sports drinks, etc) soften tooth enamel and pave the way for discoloration.

Intrinsic stains can be caused by trauma to a permanent tooth, your mother's use of tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy, too much exposure to fluoride as a child (it is difficult to be overexposed, but it can happen), a rare disease called dentinogenesis imperfect that can cause gray or amber discolorations, amalgam (metal) fillings, and root canal therapy.

The simple process of aging has a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect tooth coloring. Dentin naturally yellows with age and enamel becomes thinner, which allows the dentin to show through. This can also combine with the effects of smoking, drinking red wine, and eating foods that affect tooth color.

Extrinsic stains are the easiest to prevent. It is not necessary to completely avoid food and drink that cause staining, but there are steps you can take to reduce the effects. Some of these include using a straw for acidic beverages, swishing with water after drinking coffee and wine, chewing sugarless gum after meals and, of course, brushing and flossing regularly.

There are many whitening options available to treat extrinsic stains. Your dentist can use 'power bleaching' that can change the color rather quickly with a light activated bleaching gel. Depending on the extent of staining, follow-up visits may be needed. It is possible to remove discoloration at home using bleaching gel and trays provided by your dentist, but this process usually requires more time.

You may also buy whitening products over the counter. They contain weaker bleach than products from your dentist, but they should still make a difference in your smile. Whitening toothpastes do not change the color of your teeth, but they may be able to remove stains.

Whitening products will not affect intrinsic staining. Your dentist may apply a bleaching material to the inside of your tooth, or you may consider crowns or veneers to cover the darkened tooth. A tooth may also be covered with a color-matched bonding material that will effectively mask the discoloration.

Tooth discoloration is mainly a cosmetic problem. Visit your dentist to address your personal concerns and to find out your options.

Dr. Logan Hazard recently opened Heartwood Family Dental in Post Falls. At Heartwood, we offer free exams and X-rays for all new patients, treatment for the entire family, a wonderful team, and acceptance of all insurances in the area. Call Justine today at (208) 777-1542.