Tooth discoloration

Tooth Discoloration

Tooth Discoloration (/tuːθ/ /ˌdɪskəˈleɪʃən/) refers to changes in the color, hue, or translucency of teeth. The term is derived from the Old English tōth and the Latin discoloratio.

Causes

Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Diet: Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can stain teeth.
Tobacco: Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to discoloration.
Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause tooth discoloration.
Aging: As people age, the outer layer of enamel on their teeth wears away, revealing the darker dentin beneath.

Types

There are three main types of tooth discoloration:

Extrinsic: This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained. Coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods can stain teeth. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic: This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. You can get this type of discoloration if:

 * You had too much exposure to fluoride during early childhood.
 * Your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy.
 * You had trauma that affected a tooth when you were a young child. A fall, for example, may damage the developing permanent tooth.

Age-related: This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Foods and smoking also can stain teeth as people get older.

Treatment

Treatment for tooth discoloration depends on the cause and severity of the discoloration. Options may include:

Professional teeth cleaning: This can remove surface stains.
Teeth whitening: This is a common treatment for discoloration. It can be done at home or by a professional.
Dental veneers: These are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance.

Prevention

Preventing tooth discoloration involves maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding substances that can stain teeth, such as tobacco and certain foods and drinks.