What can cause Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is a common and embarrassing problem that many people face. This problem is caused by several agents but the good news is that there is treatment. The evolution of medicine in dentistry has seen to it that most, if not all conditions can be treated.
Causes
Tobacco: Smoking tobacco is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Tobacco contains tar that stains the teeth.
Medication: Some medications cause discoloration of teeth in children. This can happen during pregnancy or during child growth. Antibiotics such as tetracycline consumed during pregnancy or during child growth before the age of 8 years discolor teeth. In adults, mouth rinses, antihistamines, medicines for high blood pressure and anti-psychotic drugs may discolor teeth.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Poor dental hygiene entails inadequate brushing and flossing. This results in build-up of plaque or tooth staining materials such as tobacco.
Ageing: As one grows older, the enamel of the tooth eventually gets worn out and the yellow color of the dentin is revealed. Also, foods and drinks easily stain the teeth as the enamel gets more worn out. Another aspect of ageing is that the size of the pulp is decreased since the tooth lays down more dentin. The tooth eventually becomes darker as the translucency is lost.
Genetics: More often than not, some people have thicker of brighter enamel on their teeth due to genetics.
Trauma: In some cases the trauma experienced on teeth can cause discoloration. Accidents or injuries caused by falls and knocks can cause discoloration. The effects of the trauma are usually experienced some time later after the trauma. The teeth gradually start changing color at the affected spots.
Illness: Some illnesses tend to affect the body and reveal their effects on the teeth. The effect on the teeth could be due to the illness itself or the medication that one goes through. This could be chemotherapy, neck and head radiation.