Stained & Discoloured Teeth

Stained or discoloured teeth may have one or more of the following causes:

• External stains or discolouration: These stains are often superficial, and commonly caused by highly pigmented food, drinks or tobacco smoke.
  
• Internal stains or discolouration: Teeth may grow with a naturally yellow or grey hue. With time and aging, this becomes more intense. There may have been consumption of certain antibiotics during the time of tooth development.
• Surface imperfections: These may be congenital such as molar-incisor hypomineralisation or fluorosis.
• Restorations: If there are fillings present, the surface of the filling may deteriorate over time. Crowns or veneers, especially older ones, may have been made using porcelain that is not as aesthetic as today’s modern porcelains. Teeth that have had root canal treatment are at risk of darkening.

External stains or discolouration can be minimised by avoiding or reducing consumption of highly pigmented food and drink, and tobacco products. By thoroughly cleaning your teeth at home, twice daily brushing and flossing.

Dental treatments include teeth cleaning and polishing, chemical whitening (sometimes referred to as bleaching), microabrasion techniques, replacement of old fillings and crowns and veneers, or placement of new crowns or veneers which cover the stains or discolouration.

Many people are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. There is no need to be. Come and see our dentists who would be pleased to advise you which treatments will give you the best results. It may be a lot simpler than you think.