Ever noticed your smile not shining as bright as it used to? Tooth discolouration is more common than you think, and it can sneak up on you in many ways. But don’t worry. In this blog, you will learn its causes, preventions, and treatment options to help you regain that sparkling smile.
Common Culprits Behind Discoloured Teeth
Several factors can lead to those yellow, brown, or even grey stains on your teeth. Some are within your control, while others are not so much.
Avoidable Causes:
- Dark-coloured foods and drinks: We all love our coffee and red wine, but over time, these can leave lasting stains.
- Tobacco use: Smoking not only affects your health but also dulls your teeth.
- Neglecting oral hygiene: If you are not brushing or flossing regularly, then there’s a high chance of plaque building up. It eventually leads to staining.
- High fluoride levels: Excess fluoride intake during childhood can result in white spots on your teeth, a condition referred to as fluorosis.
Unavoidable Causes:
- Ageing: As we grow older, the enamel wears down, exposing more of the yellowish dentin beneath.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have darker teeth from birth.
- Dental trauma: An injury to your tooth could lead to discolouration from the inside.
- Medications and treatments: Some medications, like certain antibiotics or treatments like chemotherapy, can discolour teeth over time.
What Do Different Colours Mean?
Interestingly, the colour of tooth stains can often point to the cause:
- Yellow stains: Usually from dark-coloured foods or poor oral hygiene.
- Brown stains: Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Purple stains: A sign of red wine consumption.
- Grey stains: This might indicate that the nerve inside the tooth has died due to trauma.
- White spots: Could be a result of excessive fluoride during tooth development.
- Black spots: Often linked to severe decay.
How A Dentist Treats Discoloured Teeth
Discoloured teeth can feel like a weight on your smile, but don’t fret! Dentists have a toolbox full of solutions to help brighten your pearly whites, no matter the cause of the discolouration.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the go-to solutions for brightening your smile. Dentists offer two main options: in-office treatments and take-home kits. In-office whitening is a quick fix that usually takes about an hour.
Dental Bonding
If whitening doesn’t do the trick, especially for deeper stains, dental bonding may be the answer. This procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured composite resin directly onto your teeth to cover up discolouration.
Porcelain Veneers
For those dealing with more widespread discolouration, porcelain veneers can work wonders. These thin, custom-made shells are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth, masking stains and correcting any chips or irregularities.
Dental Crowns
Sometimes, tooth discolouration is a sign of deeper issues, like cavities or weakened teeth. If that’s the case, your dentist may recommend dental crowns. These caps fit over your existing teeth, protecting them while also enhancing their appearance.
Illuminate Your Smile with Teeth Whitening at Alveo Dental!
Whether you opt for teeth whitening, veneers, or crowns, at Alveo Dental, we offer a wide variety of treatment options so you can achieve a brighter smile. Here, dentists will help you navigate these options and guide you in choosing the best treatment for you. So, why wait? Book an appointment today for a confident smile today!