Teeth Discoloration and Your Smile

Why Does My Smile Suffer From Teeth Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration happens to all of us as we get older, for a number of reasons. Teeth can suffer from both intrinsic stains, taking place inside the enamel, and extrinsic stains, which are seen on the outside surface of the tooth.

They are many foods and drinks that we consume that are culprits in darkening our once pearly white teeth causing various types of teeth stains. You can suffer from teeth discoloration if you frequently drink or eat any of the following:  tea, coffee, carrot or grape juice, berries, beats, or soda.  If you like to enjoy a warm beverage when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed, those temperature changes actually cause your teeth to expand and contract; this means that your hot tea or coffee is penetrating the micro-cracks in the enamel, causing intrinsic staining on your smile.

Unfortunately, eating and drinking are not the only cause of tooth discoloration.  If you had silver fillings placed as a child, those old, amalgam fillings are likely now leaching out silver salts onto your teeth. These salts, unbeknownst to many, cause discoloration. What can you do? Our Lincoln, NE dentists do recommend replacing those old amalgam fillings with “white” composite, tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings not only match your existing teeth, but also offer durabilty and will help support the tooth extremely well. The best part, they won’t cause tooth discoloration.

Intrinsic Staining From Tooth Trauma

Sometimes a single tooth will darken because it has suffered trauma or its pulp (the nerve) has died. Bleeding occurring inside the tooth or debris within the pulp of the tooth will also cause it to have a dark gray appearance. Another cause of tooth discoloration? If, as a child, you suffered high fevers, took certain medications, or used extra high doses of fluoride, your smile can suffer teeth discoloration in the form of gray/brown bands or even bright white patches, because their enamel was not completely formed.

Extrinsic Teeth Discoloration

If your smile has extrinsic teeth discoloration, usually it can be removed with a good dental cleaning and polishing. If your hygienist uses an air abrasion instrument, it will be very helpful in removing your stains. However, once you have undergone the cleaning at your dental office, you should be aware of what is causing your teeth discoloration and work to eliminate it.

Your Options?

There are several options that you can discuss with your dentist when treating your teeth discoloration. These include bleaching, porcelain veneers, or even bonding. If teeth discoloration is inhibiting you from having a beautiful smile, discuss it with your dentist at your next appointment. They would be happy to find the right treatment to make your smile look as good as possible.