Dull and discolored teeth are common cosmetic dental concerns that dentists see every day. There are surprisingly several treatment options to tackle this problem. Dr. Paul Karpovich is a Timonium, MD cosmetic dentist that offers several options for patients that suffer from stained or yellow teeth.
Types of Teeth Stains
There are two basic types of teeth stains that you may have. They include extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Both of them can cause your teeth to appear yellow, grey, dull, or stained.
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
This type of tooth discoloration involves the outer most layer of the tooth. Your tooth enamel is very strong however it is capable of becoming stained and discolored. In most cases, it is from lifestyle choices. These types of stains are usually easy to treat.
Examples of extrinsic teeth stains include: smoking, chewing tobacco, coffee, red wine, tea, dark sodas, dark berries, dark sauces, and other types of food with dark colors in them. If constantly consumed on regular basis, they can cause your tooth enamel to darken or turn yellow.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
This type of tooth stain is located on the inside of the tooth. The layer of the tooth that is affected is called the dentin. It is much harder for the dentin to stain than the enamel.
This type of discoloration is caused by excess fluoride, tooth decay, certain diseases, and certain kinds of medications. They are much harder to treat since they are located deep inside the tooth. Intrinsic teeth stains can affect the whole tooth or only a small spot on the tooth. It can also just affect one single tooth.
Treatment for Tooth Discoloration
Dr. Karpovich offers several treatments in Timonium, MD to help patients tackle their teeth stains. This includes several cosmetic dentistry treatments. He also offers several restorative dentistry treatments that he can use to treat discolored teeth.
Professional teeth whitening is a great cosmetic dentistry treatment that can instantly whiten teeth. However, it can only tackle extrinsic stains. We offer both in office and take home whitening kits for your convenience. A professional tooth whitening treatment can be customized to meet your needs. It is more effective than any store bought whitening treatment and is much safer.
For more difficult stains, your dentist offers several treatments. This includes porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bonding. These types of treatments offer more permanent options to hide dark and discolored teeth. They are typically what patients will use when professional teeth whitening does not give them the results they want. If you have intrinsic teeth stains, he will suggest you use one of these treatments to brighten your smile.
Tooth Discoloration FAQs
Learn more about tooth stains and discoloration in Timonium, MD:
Can dental trauma discolor a tooth?
Yes, dental trauma can discolor a tooth. When a tooth gets injured, like from a fall or a hit, the blood vessels inside the tooth can get damaged. This can cause the tooth to turn gray, brown, or even black over time. The discoloration happens because the blood breaks down and stains the tooth from the inside.
Is tooth discoloration a sign of a more serious dental issue?
Yes, tooth discoloration can sometimes be a sign of a more serious dental issue. While stains from food, drinks, or smoking are usually harmless, other types of discoloration might mean there’s a problem. If a tooth turns brown or black, it could be a cavity.
A gray or dark tooth might mean the nerve inside is damaged or infected. Yellowing can also happen if the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) wears away and exposes the darker dentin underneath.
What can I do if I have sensitive teeth and want whitening treatment?
If you have sensitive teeth but still want whitening treatment, you can make it more comfortable in multiple ways. First, talk to our dentist. Dr. Karpovich can recommend the best whitening option for sensitive teeth, like a gentler in-office treatment.
Also, brush with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a few weeks before whitening. It helps block pain signals from reaching the nerves. After whitening, stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks for a while to prevent discomfort.
At what age can you get teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is generally recommended for people who are 18 years or older. Younger kids and teens still have developing teeth. Whitening products could irritate their gums or make their teeth more sensitive.
How can aging yellow teeth?
As you age, your teeth can naturally become more yellow. The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, is white and protects the inner layer, called dentin. Over time, enamel gets thinner from chewing, brushing, and everyday use. When this happens, the yellowish dentin underneath shows through more, making teeth look yellow. As you get older, the dentin itself can also become darker or more yellow, which adds to the discoloration.
Stains from foods and drinks can also build up over the years. Habits like smoking can also stain your teeth and make them look yellower.
Can mouthwash cause tooth stains?
Yes, some types of mouthwash can cause tooth stains, but it depends on the ingredients. Some mouthwashes contain artificial colors or dyes. Over time, these can stick to your teeth and cause staining. Mouthwashes with high acidity can also weaken tooth enamel and make it easier for stains from foods and drinks to stick to your teeth.
We recommend that you use mouthwash without dyes or alcohol. Rinse with water after using mouthwash to wash away any leftover residue.
Can genetics play a role in tooth discoloration?
Yes. Some people are born with teeth that are naturally more yellow, gray, or brown. Genetics can also affect how thick or thin your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) is. Thinner enamel makes the yellowish dentin underneath show through more to make teeth look darker.
Can dietary changes prevent tooth stains?
Yes, dietary changes can help prevent tooth stains. We recommend that you cut back on coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and dark-colored foods like berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. These can stick to your teeth and cause stains. Use a straw to drink stain-causing beverages like soda or iced coffee.
Foods like apples, carrots, and celery can help scrub your teeth as you chew. Cheese, milk, and yogurt contain calcium and phosphates to strengthen enamel and protect against stains.
Book Your Tooth Discoloration Consult Today
Dr. Karpovich will examine your teeth to determine the best treatment for you. He may ask about your lifestyle habits to understand how your teeth became discolored. A treatment plan will be prepared for you that will deliver the results you want. Schedule your appointment today by calling (410) 221-3085 or requesting an appointment online.