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Tooth discoloration is of two types- external and internal tooth discoloration. Both the types are caused due to different factors and you need different approaches to treat them. Their causes as well as suitable treatment method is discussed below.
Causes of Type 1 Tooth Discoloration: Type 1 tooth discoloration is called extrinsic tooth discoloration. This is a type in which only the enamel (outer coating on teeth) is stained. Such tooth discoloration is caused by the food that we eat. Enamel staining foods include drinks like tea, coffee, wine, and cola.
While you might not be aware of it, fruits and vegetables like apples and potatoes can also cause extrinsic tooth discoloration. Also, habits like smoking can cause tooth discoloration.
Causes of type 2 Tooth Discoloration: Type 2 tooth discoloration is called intrinsic tooth discoloration. In this type of tooth discoloration the inner bone (dentin) of the tooth gets discolored. The main causes of such a tooth discoloration are as follows:
* Too much exposure to fluoride causes tooth discoloration in young children.
* Any accident that might have severely affected the development of permanent teeth.
* When a child takes the antibiotic tetracycline during childhood (eight years or less).
* Tooth discoloration also gets transmitted from a pregnant mother to her child when she takes the antibiotic tetracycline in the second half of her pregnancy.
Apart from these two types of discolorations caused by specific foods or medications, there is another type of discoloration. This type of discoloration is a natural process and is experienced by the body as it grows old. With passage of time, the underlying bone structure loses its whiteness and becomes yellow.
Treatment
* Treating External Discoloration: External tooth discoloration can be treated with the help of preventive steps. The reason for this is that discoloration remains on the surface and it can fade away with passage of time if consumption of discoloration causing foods is stopped.
Also, it doesn't mean that you have to all together give up on foods such as coffee, tea, wine, apples or potatoes. All you have to do is to practice the habit of rinsing your mouth after you have had any of the above. However, if stains still persist then you can get them cleaned at your dentist's clinic or use suitable whitening toothpaste/bleaching gels.
* Treating Internal Tooth Discoloration: Treating internal discoloration is slightly difficult. You would need professional help to remove internal discoloration. Generally, internal discoloration would demand the application of bleaching gel onto the inside of the teeth. However, the result obtained will depend upon the depth of discoloration. The best way (which is also slightly costly) is to opt for dental veneers. These are porcelains caps which cover the whole of teeth, thus hiding the discoloration under its opaque but white shell.
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