Tooth discoloration is a common dental problem that many people experience due to various reasons. The discoloration mainly appears as brown, black, or yellow tints or pits on the surface of the teeth.
There are many causes of tooth discoloration, such as:
• tea
• coffee
• poor dental hygiene
• chewing tobacco
• dark sodas
• trauma or disease
• cigarettes
While these causes of tooth discoloration are known to people, not many are aware of their types. Take a look at the different types of tooth discoloration that exist.
Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration
As the name suggests, this is a kind of discoloration that occurs on the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. It stains the surface of the teeth, leaving behind yellow or brown streaks on the teeth.
Extrinsic discoloration is typically caused due to the consumption of foods and drinks with staining abilities, such as wine, cola, coffee, tea, as well as by activities such as smoking and chewing tobacco.
Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
This type of discoloration occurs on the inner structure or surface of the tooth called dentin. Intrinsic discoloration is caused when stain-causing particles accumulate on the enamel. There are various other causes of this type of discoloration, such as:
• dental trauma in childhood
• increased exposure to fluoride, especially in childhood
• internal bleeding in the permanent tooth due to dental trauma
Age Related Discoloration
This is a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discoloration. Basically, as you age, the dentin layer of the tooth becomes yellow, and the enamel turns thinner, revealing the yellowed dentin from behind.
At Fern Creek Dentistry, Prashant Patel, DDS and Dr. Patel can help you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration and further suggest you ways on how to prevent and treat discoloration on teeth.
To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (704) 380-9555 today.