As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
Teeth whitening can restore your smile by clearing the staining or discolouration on your teeth. There are two types of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. During the initial consult, your dentist will be interested in establishing the nature of your discolouration before beginning teeth whitening.
Intrinsic stains discolour the inner layer of your teeth, known as the dentin. The good news is that teeth whitening is as effective on intrinsic stains as it is on extrinsic discolouration. That said, here are some of the common causes of intrinsic teeth staining.
1. Excessive Fluoride
Ingestion of too much fluoride by the mother during pregnancy or by a child very early on when the teeth are still forming can lead to fluorosis, a dental condition characterised by discolouration. Your drinking water may have excessive fluoride, or you may be using one of the types of toothpaste or rinses that have too much fluoride. You should also check on your fluoride supplements.
2. Use of Certain Medications
Tetracycline and doxycycline are two antibiotics that have been known to cause tooth discolouration when taken by young children whose teeth are still forming. These medications also cause pre-eruptive staining in children if taken by the mother later in their pregnancy. As much as possible, avoid the use of these medications. A doctor can prescribe alternative antibiotics that are just as effective.
3. The Genetics Factor
Some people are born with teeth that appear more yellow, while others have enamel that is whiter and brighter. Certain hereditary diseases and genetic defects affecting dentin and enamel formation and maturity will leave you predisposed to teeth staining.
4. Trauma to the Tooth
Severe trauma to the tooth can cause bleeding of the pulp, which then fills up the tubes inside the tooth, leaving behind stains. Apart from hemorrhaging, the trauma can also lead to pulpal necrosis, which, like the bleeding, also cases the tooth to discolour.
5. Advancing Age
As you get older, the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth, will wear away, exposing the layer beneath. Dentin, the inner layer, is yellow in colour, which is why your teeth may take on a yellow appearance as you get older.
As highlighted, intrinsic teeth staining can occur as early as before teeth have emerged up to later on in life, during old age. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can help to restore the colour of your teeth for that beautiful and confident smile. For more information, talk to your dentist today.
Share17 June 2019
