What causes my teeth to look discolored?
Are your teeth yellow, or do you have brown or dark splotches on your teeth? Many different things can be responsible for tooth discoloration. While some tooth discoloration is the consequence of certain lifestyle habits, it can also be caused by trauma, medications, or over fluoridation.
Treatment for whitening discolored teeth will vary depending on the cause of tooth discoloration. Your Claremont Dental Institute dentist can help to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and provide suitable solutions for improving the appearance of your smile.
Causes & Treatments for Tooth Discoloration
Yellow Stained Teeth- Yellow teeth are the most common form of tooth discoloration. As patients age, the enamel of their teeth gradually erodes. As the tooth enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is the inner layer of tooth material that is naturally yellow in color. Certain lifestyle factors can accelerate the yellowing of teeth. For example, drinking red wine and coffee, smoking, or consuming a diet high in sugar.
Your dentist will work with you to improve or resolve discoloration with professional teeth whitening kits or in-office whitening treatments. Professional whitening gels help reduce tooth sensitivity and provide quick, beautiful results. Thus, whitening teeth up to 8 shades in a single treatment.
Dark Spots- Dark or brown spots on teeth are a product of trauma to the tooth. An accident or injury can leave behind dark spots on the tooth’s surface. There are also certain antibiotics that cause dark spots to form on the teeth.
You should always let your dentist know about any medications you may be taking so that you are able to receive the appropriate dental care. Dark spots caused by an injury or medication may require tooth bonding or porcelain veneers to cover discoloration. These types of stains tend to be resistant to professional teeth whitening gels.
White Spots- Many patients have small, ultra-bright spots on some of their teeth. These bright white spots are typically caused by overexposure to fluoride during the development of the teeth. Depending on the extent of white spots, tooth bonding, veneers, or whitening products can be used to even out the smile’s color.
Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth
Whitening your teeth can help improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-confidence. A whiter, brighter smile makes us feel attractive and gives us the confidence to be friendlier. If you are unhappy with the color and appearance of your smile, be sure to discuss your concerns with your dentist at your next dental appointment.
We can quickly treat yellow or stained teeth with an in-office teeth whitening procedure. Trauma or discoloration caused by medications may require more advanced cosmetic treatment. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers or a dental crown to create a more balanced and beautiful smile.
Teeth whitening can take years off the appearance of your smile, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Talk to your dentist about combining teeth whitening with other cosmetic treatments for a total smile makeover.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Can deep tooth discoloration be reversed?
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it is a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining has reached interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
What are the consequences of discolored teeth?
Discolored teeth are most commonly a cosmetic issue but they are also proven more likely to form cavities and decay. If you have discolored teeth, you are more likely to develop gum disease or experience other oral health issues.
Can vitamin deficiency cause yellow teeth?
Having a vitamin deficiency can make teeth appear yellow and make staining worse. Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and routine check-ins with your doctor can help protect against teeth staining. Certain medications can also contribute to this issue.
Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Do you wish your smile was whiter and brighter? Contact Claremont Dental Institute near you, including San Dimas, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, La Verne, and Upland California. Contact our office at (909) 277-6919 or request a consultation online today.
