At any stage of life, teeth can become discolored for many reasons. This may manifest as uniform yellowing or isolated stains in colors ranging from yellow to dark brown and even grayish. While your initial reaction upon noticing discoloration may be to try at-home teeth whitening, it's important to first understand what's causing the condition.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Either extrinsic or intrinsic factors can cause tooth discoloration. With extrinsic discoloration, foods, beverages, or tobacco products cause enamel to become discolored. Some examples may include berries, wine, tea, coffee, curries, tomato sauce, and cigarettes. In many cases, extrinsic stains can be addressed with professional teeth whitening.

On the other hand, intrinsic discoloration involves stains that have become embedded in the tooth. This means the coloring occurred either in utero or while the teeth where developing. The use of antibiotics or trauma to the teeth can lead to this discoloration.

Grinding the teeth, aging, and poor dental hygiene can additionally compromise enamel, allowing yellow dentin to appear more prominently. Finally, certain medications and treatments, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy, may change tooth color.

How Can You Address It?

The treatment for tooth discoloration depends on the cause. While teeth whitening can brighten the color of enamel, this tends to work best for discoloration on the enamel's surface. For deeper, intrinsic discoloration, cosmetic alternatives such as veneers may be considered. These thin caps are available in a range of shades and can be placed over the front surface of the tooth.

While some forms of discoloration can't be prevented, you can minimize your odds of yellowing teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing every evening. Seeing your dentist for cleanings every six months and using whitening toothpaste at home may also help.

If you’d like to explore options for brightening your teeth, turn to Bellasera Family Dentistry in Matthews, NC. These gentle dentists offer both general and cosmetic services to help patients maintain a healthy, glowing smile. In addition to professional take-home teeth whitening packages, they also offer veneers and additional restoration services so you can achieve a look you’re proud to show off. Browse through their full list of services online or call (704) 321-7929 to schedule an appointment.