What causes my teeth to look discolored?
Are your teeth yellow, or do you have brown or dark splotches on your teeth? Many different things can be responsible for tooth discoloration. While some tooth discoloration is the consequence of certain lifestyle habits. However, dental trauma, medications, or over-fluoridation can also cause discoloration.
Treatment for whitening discolored teeth will vary depending on the cause of tooth discoloration. Claremont Dental Institute can help to determine the cause of your teeth stains. Our Claremont dentists will provide suitable solutions to improve the appearance of your smile.
Causes & Treatments for Tooth Discoloration
How to Fix Yellow Stained Teeth
Yellow teeth are the most common form of tooth discoloration. As patients age, the enamel of their teeth gradually erodes. As the tooth enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is the inner layer of tooth material that is naturally yellow in color.
Certain lifestyle factors can accelerate the yellowing of teeth. For example, drinking red wine and coffee, smoking, or consuming a diet high in sugar.
Your dentist will work with you to resolve discoloration with professional teeth whitening kits or in-office whitening treatments. Professional whitening gels help reduce tooth sensitivity and provide quick, beautiful results. Thus, whitening teeth up to 8 shades in a single treatment.
How to Fix Dark Spots on Teeth
Dark or brown spots on teeth are a product of trauma to the tooth. An accident or injury can leave behind dark spots on the tooth’s surface. There are also certain antibiotics that cause dark spots to form on the teeth.
Always let your dentist know about any medications you are taking so that you get the appropriate dental care. Dark spots from an injury or medication may require tooth bonding or porcelain veneers to cover them. These types of stains tend to be resistant to professional teeth whitening gels.
How to Fix White Spots on Teeth
Many patients have small, ultra-bright spots on some of their teeth. Overexposure to fluoride during tooth development is the most common cause of bright white spots. Our dentists can use tooth bonding, veneers, and whitening products to even out the color and hide permanent white spots.
Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth
Whitening your teeth can help improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-confidence. A whiter and brighter smile makes us feel attractive and gives us the confidence to be friendlier. If you’re unhappy with the color and appearance of your teeth, share them with your dentist at your next dental appointment.
We can quickly fix brown and yellow or stained teeth with an in-office teeth whitening procedure. Trauma or discoloration because of medications may require more advanced cosmetic treatment. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers or a dental crown to create a more balanced and beautiful smile.
Whitening your teeth can make your face and smile look younger. You will leave our dental office feeling refreshed. Talk to your dentist about combining teeth whitening with other cosmetic treatments for a total smile makeover.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Can I reverse deep tooth discoloration?
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it can be a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining reaches interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
What are the consequences of discolored teeth?
Discolored teeth are most commonly a cosmetic issue. But they can contribute to cavities and decay. If you have stained teeth, you are more likely to develop gum disease or experience other oral health issues.
Can vitamin deficiency cause yellow teeth?
Having a vitamin deficiency can make teeth appear yellow and make staining worse. Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and routine check-ins with your doctor can help protect against teeth staining. Certain medications can also contribute to this issue.
Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Do you wish your smile was whiter and brighter? Claremont Dental Institute serves patients from San Dimas, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, La Verne, and Upland California. Call our office at (909) 277-6919 or request a consultation online today.