Removing Tooth Discoloration: Everything You Need to Know
Colors bring joy – except when they adorn your teeth. Because brown, yellow, black, or green spots can dull any smile, no matter how bright – and usually the self-confidence of the person to whom it belongs. Why tooth discolorations occur in the first place, where you can have tooth discolorations removed, and how you can prevent them from occurring in the first place, are discussed in this article. What is Tooth Discoloration? The color of teeth naturally varies from person to person. It is influenced by dentin and genetic factors: While one person may flash white teeth every time they open their mouth, a cream tone may be completely natural for another. Discolorations are only spoken of when teeth take on a different shade than their natural hue. There can be countless reasons for this: metabolic diseases, medications, poor diet, dark dental fillings, smoking, red wine, tea, and many others. Are Tooth Discolorations Dangerous? Not everything that doesn't look pretty is necessarily a danger to health: In and of themselves, tooth discolorations are not considered dangerous. However, they can be a clear indication of suboptimal lifestyle habits – which in themselves can indeed be problematic: For example, consuming large amounts of red wine or cigarettes. How do Tooth Discolorations Occur? There are different types of tooth discolorations – internal and external. While deposits of all kinds usually lead to external discolorations, internal tooth discolorations have a variety of causes: disturbances in tooth development, medications, accidents, dead or root canal-treated teeth, or even fillings can play a role. These Factors Can Lead to External Tooth Discolorations Excessive Smoking One of the biggest factors for discoloration is cigarettes. Tobacco contains tar. You can regularly see for yourself how dark and sticky it is during road construction – and then imagine that mass diluted on your own teeth. The nicotine it also contains causes a patchy yellow appearance. Red Wine, Coffee, and Tea Coffee for breakfast, red wine with dinner, and tea before bedtime – for many people, these rituals mean sheer quality of life. They earn them a firm place in everyday life. However, these favorite beverages also bring many plant-based tannins, whose color pigments penetrate the enamel and cause dark discolorations. Juices and Fruits It sounds paradoxical at first, but too much fruit can attack the teeth – whether whole or as juice. This is because its acid content weakens the enamel. Generally, the thinner the enamel, the more likely discolorations are. This is because it covers the dentin – which has a yellowish shimmer. Additionally, the acid contributes to the easier deposition of fruit sugar. Spices Some secret spice tips like curry or saffron can quickly stain yellow. The good news: timely brushing usually helps here. These Factors Can Lead to Internal Tooth Discolorations Medications: Drugs, such as antibiotics, can discolor teeth (e.g., during embryonic development in the womb) both from the outside and from the inside. In adults, it leads to an influence on the oral and intestinal flora with various possible effects. Fillings: Sometimes even dental fillings are the reason for discolorations: e.g., amalgam, which is still allowed in Germany today but is rarely used. Ceramic fillings, for example, are considered to be discoloration-proof alternatives. Dead Teeth Caries or severe teeth grinding can lead to the death of teeth. Root canal treatments can preserve such a tooth – but there's a chance that it will darken. Enamel Defects Negative influences before and after birth, such as various medications, but also genetic factors, can impair the development of teeth at an early age: for example, enamel defects are especially common in children as a cause of tooth discoloration. Diseases Finally, diseases such as metabolic disorders or congenital bile duct obstruction can lead to tooth discolorations. The latter results in a greenish tint. Frequently, this affects mainly the canines and incisors. How Can Tooth Discolorations Be Removed? To eliminate tooth discolorations, it's best to consult professionals. Even though the supposed miraculous power of home remedies like baking soda or bicarbonate is widely touted on the internet and in amateur magazines: the mentioned substances can actually attack the enamel – and thereby doom the mission to failure. Professional dental cleanings and bleaching, on the other hand, are sensible measures to make stained teeth shine again. Key Points at a Glance Stained teeth are a complex phenomenon with numerous causes. Cigarettes are the arch-enemy of white teeth. Red wine, coffee, and tea should be enjoyed in moderation. Choose wisely with dental fillings: ceramic over amalgam. Regular professional dental cleanings help prevent discolorations from occurring in the first place. For severely discolored teeth, bleaching can be an option.
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