Stained & Discoloured Teeth

Teeth become stained or discoloured generally because of one or more of the following:

• External: These stains are often superficial, and commonly caused by highly pigmented food, drinks or tobacco smoke. A good clean at your hygiene appointment can usually remove most of the stains. Avoiding heavy consumption of heavy staining food, drinks or smoking will also reduce the stain build-up.
• Internal: This is when the inner part of the tooth, called dentine, has a darker than usual shade. Dark dentine could result from leaky amalgam restorations, post root canal treatment, overexposure to fluoride, the use of certain antibiotics in infancy, trauma to teeth or rare genetic conditions such as dentinogenesis imperfecta. Treatments for internal staining of teeth are often a combination of bleaching and cosmetic coverage such as dental veneers and crowns. We can advise you on what is best for your teeth.
• Age-related: This is a combination of the external and internal factors. As teeth age, the enamel thins out, allowing the yellow dentine to show through more easily. On top of this, years of consuming staining drinks and tobacco can add to the gradual discolouration of teeth.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options for stained teeth. A good dental health routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing every night, can keep your teeth healthy and looking great. Limiting your consumption of teeth-staining food and beverages can help slow down the stain build-up. Regular dental whitening treatments will help keep them looking whiter and brighter.
For teeth that discolour due to aging, treatments may be more complex. To restore your aging teeth have a chat to Dr Grace, Dr Lakshmi or Dr Quor when you’re next in.

Over time, teeth will continue to discolour and become more yellow. Give our team at Graceful Dental a call so we can help find the right solution for you that fits your budget and give you that brighter smile you’ve always wanted!