Have you also noticed that your teeth have gradually lost their lustrous pearly white sheen? That they aren't as shiny and bright as they used to be? And this is a concern, a majority of the population comes across in their lives at some point of their life.

What Is Teeth Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration is a phenomenon of change in the color of teeth. Teeth may lose their normal color, transparency, and hue and instead may turn a shade darker or yellow in color. Teeth discoloration may stem from causes that fall into three categories - intrinsic, extrinsic, and age related. But, on the brighter side, most of these teeth stains and discolorations are manageable and preventable in nature.

Types Of Teeth Staining -

As mentioned earlier, tooth discoloration falls under the following three categories that are- extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.

• Extrinsic - As the name suggests these types of discolorations are external in nature and affect the external surface of the teeth that is the enamel. Some common causes of extrinsic stains include-

-food

-beverages

-tobacco

•Intrinsic- These types of teeth discolorations are internal in nature and affect the internal surface of the tooth that is the dentin. These discolorations are more permanent in nature as compared to extrinsic stains. Common causes of intrinsic stains are

- injury or trauma to the tooth

- medications and drugs

- genetics

•Age-related changes- With age and time enamel undergoes wearing which leads to teeth becoming yellowish in colour.

What Are The Causes Of Tooth Discoloration?

Some common causes of tooth discoloration involve

•Food and beverages -

Not all food items but there are particular types of food items that have the ability to stain the outer surface of the tooth. These food items include

- Tea and coffee

- Red wine

- Fruit juice

- Tomato-based sauce

- Balsamic Vinegar

- Berries and Beetroot

•Tobacco- The nicotine and tar from tobacco penetrates into the enamel through tiny pores and causes staining of the teeth. The yellowish discoloration seen in tobacco users is due to the nicotine which when combined with oxygen causes the yellowing of teeth. While the darker brownish shade of the teeth is contributed by the tar.

• Tooth injury or trauma - Injury or trauma to the teeth usually results in internal bleeding and decreased blood flow or in some cases the death of the nerve, which leads to tooth discoloration.

•Poor oral hygiene - Most people seem to skip their brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day as well as foregoing professional periodontal cleanings at regular intervals could lead to food debris accumulation and plaque buildup over time which could ultimately result in tooth discoloration and staining.

•Medications and Drugs- It has been a proven fact that there are some drugs that result in tooth discoloration as a side effect. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are known to affect enamel formation in children below 8 years of age. Drugs like antihistamines and antihypertensive drugs as well as antipsychotic drugs can cause discolored teeth in individuals.

• Medical Conditions - Medical conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta, and dental fluorosis cause discolored teeth in individuals. Also, certain medical treatments like chemotherapy and head & neck radiation can cause tooth discoloration.

• Genetics- Genetics also play a huge role in the dental health of individuals. There are some people who have thinner and discolored teeth that run in their family over a span of time.

•Age- As people age over time, it leads to the wearing of enamel that causes exposing of yellow dentin. Teeth lose their luster and translucency over time and turn a shade darker.

How To Manage Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is manageable and preventable in nature and there are a variety of ways to treat it depending on the type and extent of staining. One of the easiest ways of treating tooth discoloration is through prevention. Reducing or completely avoiding intake of tea, coffee, red wine as well as tobacco products. Brushing teeth, washing the mouth, or gargling with water immediately after consumption of beverages that cause staining can also help reduce discoloration. Incorporating proper oral habits would help improve oral health and hygiene which would further reduce tooth discoloration. Another option involves tooth bleaching also known as tooth whitening.

What is Tooth Bleaching?

Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening is the process carried out by dentists to lighten the tooth color or existing discoloration of teeth using teeth whitening agents. This is a professional procedure and best advised to seek professional help of dentists for healthier and whiter teeth.

There are two types of bleaching procedures and both these procedures use peroxide-based bleaching agents.

• In-office bleaching system - This system contains 15%-43% peroxide

• At-home bleaching system - This system contains 3%-20% peroxide

1) In-office tooth bleaching - Teeth whitening is done in the environment of a dental office by dental professionals. It employs light, heat or a combination of both of them to intensify the process. The bleaching gel in this procedure contains 15%-43% carbamide peroxide. It is a much quicker and more effective method as compared to other alternatives. Bleaching agents are only allowed to be given by licensed dental practitioners.

2) At-home bleaching - At home bleaching involves products that are prescribed by dentists. At home whitening methods include -

•over the counter strips and gels

•tray based teeth whiteners

•whitening toothpastes

•whitening rinse

It is highly recommended to seek advice from a dentist before proceeding with any of the above-mentioned procedures.

Side- Effects Of Tooth Bleaching

A common side effect of tooth bleaching seen in individuals is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity to hot and cold is an expected side effect in individuals and it may last up to 24- 48 hrs.

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