A Family Doctor's Tale - TOOTH DISCOLORATION

DOC I HAVE TOOTH DISCOLORATION

Teeth discoloration is seen as teeth that have stained yellow or darker and presents as a blemish on the facial appearance of a person.

It can affect self esteem.

The causes of Tooth Discoloration:
Discoloration can be caused by:
A.External factors stains the outer layer of the tooth and include
1.smoking,

2.beverages such as coffee, wine, cola

3.foods such as apples and potatoes.

B.Internal factors affects the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) causing it to darken or become yellowish through:
1.excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood

2.tetracycline antibiotics use during the second half of pregnancy and children 8 years old or younger.

3.tooth injury in a child with damage to the developing permanent tooth.

4.Systemic illness during tooth formation such as hemolytic disease of the newborn

5.Ageing discoloration - the dentin turns yellow naturally with ageing making the teeth look discolored.

6.infection(dental caries) result in greyish discoloration.

7.Dentinogenesis imperfecta - rare condition in which children are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations in the teeth

8.Amelogenesis imperfecta - genetic condition in which enamel formed during tooth development is abnormal and causes discoloration of teeth.

Symptoms include:

1.stains on the enamel such as yellow or brown spots.

2.yellow stains on the teeth from dentin showing through the worn away enamel.

Diagnosis

A dental examination can diagnose tooth discoloration.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the discoloration and may include.
1.Tooth hygiene -proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques

2.Avoid foods and beverages that can cause stains

3.Microabrasion of the stains on the outer surface of teeth

4.Bonding -tooth can be covered with a color-matched composite bonding material

5.Veneers are color-matched thin ceramic shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth.

6.applying a bleaching agent to the enamel of the teeth.
a.Vital bleaching over-the-counter whitening agents or in-office whitening procedures
b.Non-vital bleaching

7..Intrinsic stains that are caused by damage to a nerve or blood vessel in a tooth sometimes can be prevented such as removing the inner part of the tooth (the pulp) followed by non-vital bleaching.

Prevention

With some healthy lifestyle changes, teeth discoloration can be prevented.
1.Heavy coffee drinkers can reduce intake


2.smokers can consider quitting .


3.dental hygiene through regular brushing, flossing or


4.have teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6-12 months.

Prognosis

The prognosis is very good for teeth stains caused by external factors such as smoking, beverages.
Stains caused by internal factors may be harder to remove.