Tooth discoloration is any change in the color or translucency of a tooth due to any cause.

Tooth discoloration 2 types 

  • Extrinsic discoloration.
  • Intrinsic discoloration.

Extrinsic discoloration:  Stains seen on outer layer of tooth surface.

Causes:

Foods and beverages,

Tea and coffee,

TEA AND COFFEE STAINS

Smoking and tobacco,

STAINS DUE TO PAN CHEWING

Plaque and calculus accumulation, Mouthwashes.

CALCULUS

Intrinsic discoloration:  Inner structures of the tooth darkens.

Causes:

High fluoride level in drinking water,

FLUOROSED TEETH

Tetracycline drug usage during pregnancy,

TETRACYCLINE STAINING

Ageing,

Amalgam restorations,

TEETH STAINING DUE TO AMALGAM FILLINGS

Non-vital teeth,

NON-VITAL TOOTH

Systemic diseases like erythroblastosis foetalis, amelogenesis imperfecta.

AMELOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

Management:

1) Extrinsic discoloration

      Scaling - surface stains can be removed by routine oral prophylaxis.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCALING TREATMENT

2) Intrinsic discoloration

a} Micro abrasion.

MICRO ABRASION BEFORE TREATMENT
MICRO ABRASION AFTER TREATMENT

b} Macro abrasion.

c} Bleaching.

BEFORE AND AFTER BLEACHING TREATMENT

d} Veneers.

BEFORE AN DAFTER VENEER TREATMENT

e} Crowns.

BEFORE AND AFTER CROWNS FOR DISCOLORED TEETH

CONCLUSION:

Teeth color varies widely from person to person. But if you have discoloration that bothers you or makes you feel self-conscious, a dentist can help you find ways to brighten your smile.