Have you ever noticed the perfect white color of babies’ first teeth? Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. With age, the structure of the teeth changes. The food and drinks we consume, along with many other factors, inevitably change the color of our teeth. And while everyone can whiten his or her teeth nowadays, it’s important to understand what exactly caused the discoloration.
An insignificant change of color without any other complaints is considered normal and doesn’t require any special treatment. But there are also abnormal causes of discoloration that require not only aesthetic correction but medical treatment as well. It’s not just the color that may change — the surface can change, too. It can transform from smooth to coarse, resemble a stain, be covered with plaque, etc.
Here are the main causes of teeth discoloration:
Food and drinks
Dyes that are contained in food and drinks we consume every day can discolor our teeth. They don’t dye the enamel directly, but discolor the plaque, or dental tartar, that collects on it. This is why your teeth become whiter after you clean them in the dental office. This case doesn’t require any special treatment
Chemical reactions
The contact of your teeth with some chemicals can cause a reaction that results in discoloration. The substance themselves can be colorless, but other substances released in the process of this reaction — such as metal salts and even some antiseptics and rinses — may have color.
Diseases/Injury
These can be either systemic or metabolic diseases or dental problems in particular. Genetic issues can also play a part. Some prenatal abnormalities can influence the color of the child’s teeth. The damage of a tooth or decay may also cause a change in color.
What to Do If You Notice Discoloration?
Even if you are sure that your problem is purely aesthetic, you should visit your dentist before you make an appointment to whiten your teeth. Don’t be surprised to hear questions concerning your general health and even the health of your relatives.
If the causes of discoloration are deep, simply whitening your teeth won’t solve your problem. If there is a medical condition involved, it should be treated. If the problem is dental or periodontal disease — you should treat it before whitening because the procedure can’t be performed on sick teeth.
