Cosmetic Dentistry Weblog

One of the main causes of tooth discoloration is consuming snuff products and chromomeric food and beverages (foods and beverages that have the capacity to produce a staining effect on teeth). Coffee, tea, cola, red wine and some fruits and vegetables (apples and potatoes, for example) are all chromomeric agents and can stain teeth. The cumulative effect of the use of snuff products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes and snuff chewing can cause dental staining. The severity of staining in smokers depends on the duration and frequency of the habit.

Discoloration of teeth can also be caused by poor dental hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances such as coffee and snuff can cause discoloration of teeth.

Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of teeth) and dentin (the material under the enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. In addition, treatments for certain conditions, such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can affect tooth color. Some infections in pregnant women can also cause tooth discoloration in the infant affecting enamel development.

Medications are another cause of tooth discoloration. Rinse mouth and Chlorohexidine containing cetylpyridinium chloride, antihistamines, drugs contraptions and contradistinctions medications known to cause tooth discoloration.

Amoxicillin, tetracycline and doxycycline antibiotics can also cause surface stains on teeth especially when given to children under eight, whose teeth are still developing. Pregnant women who take tetracycline and doxycycline can give birth to a child with bright yellow teeth that eventually turn gray or brown with time.

Minocycline used to treat acne, is another medicine that can cause tooth discoloration. In the long term use of minocycline cause teeth to turn green / gray or blue / gray rarely corrects even after stopping the medication.

Other drugs cause intrinsic stains (stains that are permanent and interfere with the formation of teeth). Fluoride, known recognized to reduce the chance of dental caries in children and adults, can cause teeth to alter when taking too much, causing the tooth enamel to change. The most common adverse effects of excess fluoride is dental fluorosis. In mild forms appears as small, white spots that are barely visible. In extreme cases, ranging from opaque white spots and dark markings bites.

Teeth may also fade with age. Tooth discoloration in the elderly is usually caused by enamel covering the teeth get thinner allowing the dentin to show through. Dentin also naturally yellows over time adding to fading.