The Causes Of Tooth Discoloration

Have you ever thought about what makes a smile look less attractive? The answer is – Discolored Teeth. And you must have assumed that Tooth Discoloration is caused by poor oral hygiene or genetics. However, at Dental Aesthetics, we believe that there are many other Tooth Discoloration Causes too.

We will be honest here – Discolored teeth are perfectly normal and even unavoidable. However, this does not mean that you should not make your smile more pleasant to look in the mirror. Other than wanting a bright and white smile, many people in Pakistan get their teeth whitened simply because of discolored teeth.

If your teeth are discolored, and this is affecting your self-confidence, you need to think about getting them fixed. But before anything else, you need to know what the cause behind your stained teeth is. Our dentists at Dental Aesthetics have covered a few common culprits behind discolored teeth in this blog. Let’s give it a read!

The Types Of Tooth Discoloration

Before we talk about the causes of Tooth Discoloration, we want you to know how we categorize it at Dental Aesthetics before starting a Tooth Discoloration Treatment.

• Extrinsic Discoloration

This type of Tooth Discoloration is known as superficial teeth staining. It happens when the surface of your tooth stains. In most cases, these stains look yellowish or appear like dark spots on the enamel, which is the outer layer of a tooth.

• Intrinsic Discoloration

Teeth stains that occur below the surface of the teeth when the inner teeth structure is damaged is intrinsic discoloration. In dentistry, we call it – Dentin. Such stains are very difficult to remove. Usually, they are caused by excessive fluoride exposure in the form of food, air, and medicinal drugs. However, someone who has faced issues during tooth development in their childhood might also have intrinsically discolored teeth.

• The Causes Of Tooth Discoloration

Normally, many factors cause Tooth Discoloration, out of which some are very common. And considering that most of these causes are lifestyle-related, you need to be aware of them. However, the good news is – you can get the teeth stains removed at Dental Aesthetics by undergoing a Teeth Whitening treatment.

• Coffee and Tea

In Pakistan, tea and coffee are not just another beverage, they are just haves to keep going for work and serve as fuel for life. However, what we never think about is that these hot beverages contain acidic polyphenols called tannins and caffeine. The tannins cause stains on the tooth. Moreover, the shade or color of your teeth also depends on how strong your tea is and what type of tea you drink. For instance, if a person drinks green tea, their teeth will stain grey, whereas black tea causes yellow stains.

• Food and Beverages  

Well, this is no surprise that food and beverages are one of the leading culprits causing stained teeth. And unfortunately, there is no discrimination between healthy options and junk. Here is why?

• High-Sugar Food

Let’s be honest, we are all guilty of a sugar binge. Because who resists treating themselves with Gulab Jamuns, Chocolates, or a can of Pepsi? Sadly, we do enjoy them, but the high sugar content in them feeds the bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, it also releases acids in our mouth that cause tooth decay. Thus, leading to dark spots and holes on the teeth.

• Acidic Food and Berries

Berries that are richly pigmented, like blackberries and blueberries can also cause stains on teeth, as easily as they stain clothes. Moreover, excessive intake of acidic and citrus fruits like tomatoes and pineapples can also eat away tooth enamel.

• Age Factor

Teeth stains that are age-related are usually caused by both factors, intrinsic and extrinsic. As you grow in age, your tooth enamel gets thinner and causes dentin to show through. Moreover, dentin – the inner surface of the tooth, also darkens and yellows during the aging process.

• Oral Hygiene

Not taking good care of your oral hygiene, such as not using mouthwash, or not flossing and brushing twice or regularly leads to the build-up of tartar and plaque. The build-up can cause Tooth Discoloration quickly, along with many other dental problems. And considering that the plaque is not visible normally on the surface of the teeth, you will not even know that it is there – damaging your teeth. Hence, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Moreover, meet with a dentist at Dental Aesthetics for regular deep teeth cleaning and teeth whitening if your teeth are already stained.

• Tobacco/ Cigarettes / Cigars

Smoking tobacco in the shape of cigarettes and cigars is also one of the major causes behind stained teeth. The nicotine and tar content in the tobacco absorbs through your teeth. Thus, leading to annoying brownish-yellow stains on the teeth, starting from the gum line.

• Dental Trauma

If someone goes through a dental trauma because of a sports injury, accident, or any other situation in which their teeth were exposed to force, there are chances of internal bleeding. This bleeding might create a dark-greyish spot on the teeth. However, if you face any such injury, visit us immediately at Dental Aesthetics. Our dentists will help you with preventing Tooth Discoloration After Trauma with endodontic treatment.

• Medications

Some medications including antibiotics and drugs for high blood pressure, which we commonly intake also contain ingredients that cause stains on teeth. Moreover, mouthwashes and rinses also contain high-chloride content, which can also cause Tooth Discoloration.

• Genetics

Our genetics play a huge role in how well your teeth hold up against the causes of discoloration. Several genetic disorders can affect the structure and general appearance of the teeth. While some of us as genetically blessed with bright-white teeth with a thicker enamel layer that protects from teeth stains, some might need to be extra careful of the causes.

Want To Get Rid Of Your Teeth Stains?

If you want to get rid of your teeth stains, and achieve a bright-white smile, book a consultation with Dr. Shahzad Mirza of Dental Aesthetics for a Teeth Whitening treatment. A smile makeover is an optimum cosmetic treatment option. But, if the basic teeth discoloration is stern then teeth whitening may not be powerful enough to brighten a smile.

Then, it is also suitable when there are multiple discolored large teeth fillings. Teeth discoloration due to gaps between teeth, tooth wear, teeth developmental issues, crowding, or a narrow smile. Our dentists will use the most advanced technology and specialized teeth whitening gels and treatments that work wonders to remove the stains on your teeth. For guaranteed results at the most affordable cost, visit our clinic in DHA, Lahore!