DO I NEED TEETH WHITENING?
Just like hair colour, the colour of our teeth differs from person to person, therefore treating any type of discolouration is different for everyone. Before beginning any teeth whitening treatments consult with your dentist here at Morgan Street Dental Centre to identify the cause of your discolouration and get the right treatment for you.
Tooth Discolouration – Why are my teeth stained?
Our ‘pearly whites’ don’t always keep that bright white colour we wish they did. So why do our teeth stain? Discoloured teeth can range from brown spots and yellow tints to white streaks on the enamel. We commonly use three main categories when evaluating the cause of discolouration:
- Extrinsic Discolouration – What we eat and drink can cause our tooth enamel (outer layer of the tooth) to become stained. Highly acidic foods, pigmented foods (cherries, blueberries etc.), tea, coffee, red wine, soft drinks, and smoking can all contribute to extrinsic discolouration. Some extrinsic staines can be removed by attending regular dental cleaning appointments, but others may require professional whitening by your dentist.
- Intrinsic Discolouration – As the name suggests, this form of discolouration occurs when the inner structure of the tooth (Dentine) darkens or gets a yellow tint. Treating intrinsic discolouration can be a long process depending on the reason. It can be caused by:
- Too much exposure to fluoride as a child
- Tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy or in children under 8 years of age
- Trauma to a tooth can cause the nerve (“pulp”) to become damaged and cause staining.
- Trauma to a tooth as a young child can damage the developing permanent teeth
- Age-Related Discolouration – As we age our dentine (inner structure of the tooth) will naturally yellow and the enamel (outer surface) on our teeth slowly gets thinner. The combination of these, in addition to smoking and certain foods and drinks, can create a yellow tint to the teeth. Also, products which increase the wear on the enamel will accelerate age-related discoloration.
Your dentist is the most qualified person to examine and identify the cause of your tooth discolouration. Whilst some discolouration can be treated at a regular dental clean appointment, others will require professional whitening treatments to make a difference to your smile. Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone, so consult with your dentist before undergoing any treatment options.