1) Why it is caused?
Discoloration of teeth can either be yellow or brown /black or green
Yellow- (on the teeth surfaces)
Brown/black- (tobacco usage)
Green- deeper deposits in gums &tooth surfaces
- Food/drinks like coffee, tea, coals, etc
- Tobacco use causes brown discoloration of teeth
- Poor oral hygiene: improper brushing process/technique
- Medications: eg: tetracyclines, doxycycline, etc
- Diseases: underdevelopment of enamel (congenital diseases), radiation chemotherapy & infections during pregnancy
- Aging: due to enamel wear out
- Genetics
- Environment: Increased fluoride content in water causes fluorosis
- Trauma: Decrease in blood flow to teeth which causes non-vitality of teeth
2) How to prevent it?
- Brushing twice daily
- Limit food &drinks like coffee tea etc
- Use of straws to prevent discoloration when consuming beverages
- Check on fluoride level in the water
- Regular dental visits
- Stop using tobacco
- Flossing teeth
- Mild abrasive toothpaste
- Treatment /cure
3) When to go for treatment?
- Bad breath
- Bleeding, redness, swollen gums
- Visible brown stains
- White spots /brittle tooth surfaces
4) What is the treatment? what is in treatment?
- Scaling: removing calculus &stains on tooth surfaces & polishing gums
- Teeth whitening: teeth whiteners like hydrogen peroxide solution are used. Sometimes higher concentration of whitener or desensitizer can be used
- Bonding: application of white resin on tooth surface & hardens with a curing light
- Crowns: indicated in severe fluorosis, amelogenesis imperfecta (congenial diseases)
- Veneers: custom-made porcelain shells on the superficial tooth surface
Post-operative care:
1)If veneers are placed avoid biting harder substances
2)Brushing twice daily with the proper brushing technique
3)Rinse after every meal
4)Floss once daily