Color staining may happen at every color in young people  but are mostly brown, gray or black in adults. Protective methods may be preferred in the treatment of this type of discolorations. Quitting habits, regular tooth brushing, cleaning of dental plaque and tartar in a controlled manner by the dentist, Ultrasonic cleaning equipment may work quite well in treatment. In addition, some methods (e.g., micro abrasion system, abrasive discs) are alternative treatment options for discolorations.

Causes of color changes in the teeth vary.

A-External Originated Discolorations:

Discolorations due to factors localized to the outer surface of the tooth. These staining are very common and may depend on a variety of factors:

  • Residues of a dental structure
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Dietary habits
  • Plaque and tartar accumulation
  • Bacteria and fungi
  • Smoking, tobacco, pipes
  • Tea and coffee

B-Internal Originated Discolorations:

Discolorations formed during and after formation of teeth (odontogenesis).

  1. Physiological (age-related) discolorations: With age, dentin apposition and reduction of fluid exchange between calcified dental tissues and dental core affect light permeability of tooth dentin and enamel and causes the teeth to appear darker.
  2. Chemical discolorations: As a result of direct contact, oxidation of metals or precipitation in blood and saliva may cause discolorations of tooth. Such color changes can vary from gray to black.
  3. Discoloration due to decays: Dental decays give white, opaque or gray colors. With accumulation of nutrients and bacterial breakdown products in the cavity, gray, brown or black discolorations are seen. If dental decays are cleaned and treated, discoloration is removed entirely.
  4. Discolorations of the local reasons: Discolorations due to bleeding in pulp chamber, pulp tissue breakdown, drugs used in root canal treatment and substances used in repair and some other unknown situations.

Head Doctor Dt. Tarcan TOPÇUOĞLU