What causes discolored teeth and is there any way to cure or prevent staining?
And chewing sugarless gum can help neutralize the acids in the mouth. High-fiber foods can help lower the acid level as well; foods such as beans or spinach and other leafy greens help generate more saliva in the mouth and can “scrub” the teeth clean.
If extrinsic staining has already occurred, you can use at-home whitening systems or have your teeth professionally bleached. One home remedy is brushing teeth occasionally with a slurry of baking soda, but this is not advised for everyday use, as it can be very abrasive. Some home remedies for teeth whitening use hydrogen peroxide, and these remedies also must be used in moderation, since peroxide is extremely acidic and can corrode teeth.
Unfortunately, some types of discoloration cannot be easily erased. The discoloration may be “intrinsic”—that is, embedded in the tooth, having been formed in utero or as the teeth developed during childhood. This can result from use of certain antibiotics and other medications, or from trauma to a child’s tooth, such as a fall or a sports injury. Teeth with intrinsic damage often appear grayish.
Discoloration can also occur if the outer layer of enamel has worn away—for instance, through excessive tooth grinding. Then the teeth may appear to be yellowing, as the undersurface of the tooth is more yellow. To ameliorate the effects of tooth grinding, nighttime appliances can be used, and composite fillings or crowns may be used to repair damage and restore appearance. If too much damage has been done from grinding, restorative treatment may be necessary.
Finally, a calcium deficiency can cause discoloration, and large doses of fluoride can lead to white spots on teeth, a condition known as fluorosis that particularly affects children under 6. Drinking water supplies in some parts of the country naturally contain significant amounts of fluoride. Very low amounts of fluoride are added to many other water systems as a public health measure to help control tooth decay, especially in children. If your water system is fluoridated, you and your children may not need to use fluoride rinses—ask your dentist about this.
Hi,
depending on the age of the person (or animal) certain antibiotics given before the person loses their "baby" teeth can cause discolouration of the adult teeth.
regards,
Brett
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