Tooth Discolouration

Tooth colour varies among individuals, and secondary teeth are usually darker than primary teeth. Teeth also normally darken slightly with age. However, abnormal discoloration sometimes occurs because of changes within the teeth.

 What are the causes of discoloured teeth?

A common cause of discoloration is the build-up of dental plaque (a deposit of food particles, saliva, and bacteria) on the surface of the teeth. Plaque-stained teeth are often yellowish-brown, but children's teeth may be black or green. Regularly drinking tea and coffee and using tobacco may also stain the surface of the teeth, as may some liquid medicines that contain iron.

Teeth may also become discoloured if children are given certain drugs while their secondary teeth are developing. Antibiotics may cause a yellow discoloration of the secondary teeth. If the drug is given to a pregnant woman, her baby's teeth may be discoloured when they emerge.

Fluorosis, in which the teeth develop a mottled colour, is due to an excess of natural fluoride in the water in some parts of the world. However, where fluoride is added to the water to reduce tooth decay, the concentration is too low to cause fluorosis. Fluorosis may also develop if children are given too high a dose of fluoride drops or pills. A tooth may become darker than normal following irreversible pulpitis when the soft centre, or the pulp, of the tooth dies. Root canal treatment may cause a tooth to darken if the material used to fill the tooth is dark in colour.

What might be done?

Staining on the surface of the teeth is routinely removed by scaling and polishing of teeth by your dentist or oral hygienist. If staining is severe, the teeth can be bleached. If a single tooth is discoloured as a result of a condition such as pulpitis or following root canal treatment, a porcelain or plastic veneer may be bonded to the front of the tooth, or the top of the tooth can be replaced by a crown. Contact your local 1300SMILES practice today to discuss the best whitening treatment for you.