Your teeth can become discolored by stains on its surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories:
Teeth Whitening
This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained by coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic discoloration
This is when the inner structure of the tooth darkens or gets a yellowish tint. Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.
Age-related discoloration
This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged.
In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations.
- Tobacco use.
- Certain foods like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Acidic soft drinks slowly de-mineralize the white enamel of teeth, making them more yellow with time.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Certain diseases can affect the enamel and the dentin of the teeth.
- Some medications that children take during the formation of their adult teeth, such as tetracycline or doxycycline. These same medications can discolour the child's teeth if they are taken while the mother is pregnant.
- Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine can discolour teeth.
- Grey amalgam fillings can stain a restored tooth.
- With age, the enamel of teeth becomes thinner, revealing the yellowish color of dentin.
- Heredity, where some people have a thinner layer of enamel than others do.
- Excessive ingestion of fluoride (fluorosis).
- Dental traumas that can disturb the formation of children's teeth, or cause the necrosis of the adult tooth, making it greyer.
We now live in a world where a person’s looks are very important. Confident smiles mean a great deal in professional and social interactions. The health of your teeth also defines your general attitude towards life; even your personal hygiene. Bright healthy looking teeth do matter.
First and foremost, the importance of having white teeth reflects on a person’s health. White teeth mean healthy teeth while discoloration is a sign of plaque and tartar buildup on the enamel of the teeth. These buildups can lead to teeth problems such as holes in the teeth, cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, gum diseases such as periodontitis, and many other teeth ailments.
Another reason why white teeth are essential is for one’s physical appearance. As we all know, our smile is one of the first things that people notice about us. It would be very difficult to create a good first impression if you have discolored or stained teeth. Having white teeth can contribute to a more pleasant physical appearance.
Having white teeth can also have an incredible effect on one’s self-esteem. It is easier to be confident when you know you look good and feel good about yourself.
For those who are in the public arena, like sales people, consultants, company executives, teachers etc; having white teeth will make them look more credible and convincing.
- Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
- Avoiding food and beverages that cause stains
- Bondings
- Veneers
- Using over-the-counter whitening agents
- In-home whitening agents purchased from your dentist
- In-office whitening procedures
- Advanced Laser Teeth Whitening Techniques