Tooth Discoloration: Symptoms and Treatment

Discoloration of teeth is becoming a common cosmetic problem these days. Reasons such as disease, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, and some types of food have led to the increasing discoloration of teeth. The problem is so widespread that now it forms a major part of the services offered at dental clinics.

Cause of Discoloration of Teeth
The main causes of discoloration can be effectively bracketed in to two types- discoloration through stains and discoloration through alteration in the tooth material. Further, the type of discoloration which takes place can be of the three following types:
* Intrinsic discoloration: In this type of discoloration the inner dentin gets stained due to different causes.
* Extrinsic discoloration: In this type of discoloration the enamel of teeth gets stained.
* Discoloration related to age: As we go grow old both the above mentioned factors work together to bring about discoloration of teeth.

Diagnosis of Teeth Discoloration
Diagnosis of discoloration can be done by simply looking at the teeth. The signs of discoloration of teeth are quite visible. Discoloration usually begins with either the yellowing of the teeth or appearance of white streak on the teeth. In cases wherein the enamel is worn off the yellow tinge can be seen penetrating the dentin as well.

Treatment of Teeth Discoloration
Treatment for discoloration depends upon the factors that caused discoloration in the first place. If some types of food and lack of dental hygiene caused discoloration then it can be removed over a period of time by professional cleaning. This would include use of a bleaching agent to remove the stains. Further cleaning can be ensured by taking proper care of teeth. This would include proper brushing, regular flossing and correct way of eating meals.

Dentists usually use a bleaching gel to remove stain from teeth. They apply the gel on the affected area and leave it for about 45 minutes. The gel is then rinsed off to reveal sparkling white teeth.

Bleaching can help if only the enamel is stained. However, if the stain has penetrated the dentin then other methods have to be adopted to remove the stain. Usually a veneer or a crown would have to be placed to hide the stains. These can be also used to hide broken or chipped teeth.

Can Stain Removal Treatment Be Obtained At Home
You can easily get a bleaching gel and mouth guard in medical supply stores. There are whitening toothpaste also available in the market. You can use them at home to remove stains off your teeth. However, their strength might not be as high as those used by dentists. Moreover, the whitening obtained would be only for a limited period as it is not permanent whitening.