Factors Influence Color Teeth – The Color of Teeth of the human can vary from one person to another. It can change based on race, person’s age, gender, and location. You might not be aware that females mostly have whiter teeth when compared to males – the smaller the teeth, the lesser the dentin visibility. Similarly, large teeth like the molars or the canine are often darker. Baby teeth, too, are smaller in size and hence are white when compared to those of adults.

Most of us suffer from tooth discoloration at some point in our life, and the reasons for the same can be many. Tooth discoloration is a condition where the teeth have an abnormal color or a hue. Discoloration of the tooth can be both external and internal, and there can be many factors that are responsible for the same.

Factors Influence Color Teeth

As mentioned earlier, teeth discoloration can be both internal and external. Let us understand the factors that influence the color of teeth in detail.

Extrinsic Discoloration

Ask a dentist, and they might suggest that extrinsic discolorations are very common, and it can occur due to many reasons. Some of the factors can even stain the restoration surfaces like crowns or dental fillings. Extrinsic discolorations, when left untreated or unattended, can turn into intrinsic. So, be cautious and do not forget to look out for that stain, and if you find one, do visit a dentist for teeth whitening in Gurgaon.  

Some of the factors that contribute to extrinsic discoloration are mentioned below.

Dental Plaque – Dental plaque is quite not visible on the surface of the tooth, but it can, at times, get stained due to chromogenic bacteria.

Calculus – This condition occurs when dental plaque is neglected. We often find hard deposits on our teeth, mostly near the gumline. Such deposits are called calculus, and these might be in yellow, brown, grey or black color.

Tobacco – Tobacco products produce smoke, which as tar in it. This causes the formation of a yellow or a black stain near the teeth’s neck, just above the gumline. Such discoloration can also occur in people who are addicted to betel chewing.

Food and Drinks – Various foods and drinks can cause discoloration of teeth. Most vegetables that have high contents of carotenoids often cause teeth stains.  Drinks like cola, red wine, coffee, or tea can also discolor the teeth.

Tropical Medications – Certain medications, when used for a prolonged period, can cause extrinsic staining. Mouthwash that has Cetylpyridinium chloride can lead to staining due to the residue left behind by dead bacteria.

Metallic Compounds – Overexposure to various metallic compounds can cause discoloration of teeth. The exposure can be in medicine form or due to an environmental change. Examples of metallic compounds are,

• Iron – Causes a black stain
• Iodine – Causes black stain
• Copper – Causes green stain
• Nickel – Causes light green stain
• Cadmium – Causes yellow-brown stain

Use of Antibiotics – Antibiotics like Tetracycline and others are very much capable of causing extrinsic stains when they combine with iron, calcium, or other elements.

Dental Hygiene – Discoloration of teeth can also occur due to poor dental hygiene. If you are not brushing or flossing well, the plaque does not get removed. This can cause tooth discoloration as well. Make sure to brush well twice a day and rinse properly!

Intrinsic Discoloration – Factors Influence Color Teeth

Intrinsic discoloration can occur during the development of the teeth or those that are acquired at a later age. Some of the well-known causes of this discoloration are mentioned-below.

Dental Caries – Tooth decay can cause stains. What begins as an opaque spot on the enamel can form into a brown color stain in no time. You can visit the Best dental clinic in Gurgaon for the process of teeth whitening before the stain gets visible.

Fluorosis is a condition that is caused when the teeth are exposed to excessive fluoride during the teeth development stages. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water. Some regions have a high content of fluoride when compared to others. Exposure to fluoride can also occur if you are using fluoride toothpaste or when you regularly use bottled water. Fluorosis when mild only causes mild and opaque flecks on the teeth’s surface. You know that it is severe when you start seeing large patches of hypoplastic enamel on the surface of the teeth.

Trauma – Teeth discoloration can also occur due to dental trauma. Luxation injuries can cause red, blue, or brown discoloration in the teeth. This is a condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Root Canal Treatment – Dentists who perform a root canal treatment often inform about the occurrence of internal staining, which is quite common. While the reasons for the same are unknown, experts believe that when the necrotic soft tissue is not cleared properly, staining can occur. Another reason for the same can be due to the lack of any pulp pressure after the pulp is removed.

Amalgam Fillings – Teeth staining was a common side effect with Amalgam fillings. These often tend to stain the tooth where they are placed in. This is common if the fillings are old as the pigment leaches from the filling. The fillers also cast a shadow, making it look like a dark stain.

Genetic Disorders – Genetic disorders can also cause teeth discoloration, which occurs due to defective enamel. Various genetic disorders can also affect the development and the structure of the teeth.

Age – Intrinsic discoloration can also occur due to age. As we age, we observe the deposition of the secondary dentin in the internal walls. This deposition is very much darker and looks opaque when compared to the initial dentin.

How Can Teeth Discoloration be Prevented?

Teeth discoloration can be easily prevented with some lifestyle changes. If you drink a lot of tea or coffee every day, you can cut back your intake. The same applies to people who smoke a lot or consume alcohol.

You can even improve your oral hygiene by following a good routine. Brush, floss, and make sure of a mouthwash every day. You also need to get your teeth cleaned once every six months at a dental clinic. If your teeth appear abnormal with discoloration, and you do not have a ready explanation, make sure to check the symptoms and visit a dentist at the earliest.

Treatments Available at WhiteSmile for Teeth Whitening

White Smile provides various treatments for teeth whitening. Some of them are,

• Explaining the proper technique for brushing the teeth and flossing
• Veneers
• In-house whitening procedures
• Recommendation of whitening agents
• Bondings
• Dental hygiene education

So, if you haven’t visited a dental clinic in Gurgaon in the last six months, book an appointment for your teeth clean-up and whitening right away! So that’s all about factors influence color teeth. Connect today for all dental treatments.