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Tooth discoloration (discoloritis) changes the color of your teeth from relative white to pink, yellow, brown, or black. This is precisely the case when variety is not pleasing. Changing color can lead to psychological trauma, lower self-esteem, and the development of depression. In addition, discoloritis can be a symptom of a disease. Dentists define pigmentation as a pathological process and develop all new methods of its treatment.

Before proceeding to intervention, it is important to identify the cause of discoloritis. Without its elimination, all measures will have only temporary success.

Causes, classification and stages of development of tooth pigmentation

All cases of discoloritis can be divided into 2 large groups: endogenous (congenital) and exogenous (acquired). In the first case, the color of the teeth is predetermined before they erupt, while in the second case, discoloritis manifests itself after the teeth erupt.

Endogenous causes of discoloration

  • Rhesus conflictIf the mother and child have different Rhesus factors, the child during childbirth releases blood bilirubin, which accumulates in the teeth, changing their color.
  • Taking certain medical drugs by a pregnant womanMost often, tetracyclines and their derivatives affect the color of teeth.
  • PorphyriaA disease associated with a disorder of pigment metabolism.
  • Enamel hypoplasiaInsufficient production ofenamel. Expressed as spots, furrows, and erosions. Mild degree appears as white spots, in complex cases, the affected areas are darker: gray, yellow or brown.
  • FluorosisIn some regions, water contains large amounts of fluoride. Its toxic values adversely affect the bone system in general, and the development of enamel, in particular. At the initial stage of the disease, stains on the teeth are white, but with its development, they become darker, acquiring a dark yellow or dark brown shade. Such teeth are called “mottled”.

Exogenous causes of pigmentation

  • SmokingTobacco pigments settle on the enamel, especially in the area of the necks, on the borders of fillings, inlays, forming smoker’s plaque. The color can range from brown to black.
  • PlaqueDark teeth are often the result ofdental plaque. Biofilm coats the enamel after every meal. Some of it is washed away by saliva, and brushing tops off the rest. The problem is that it’s impossible to remove the film completely. So it accumulates layer by layer, forming first soft and then hard plaque. Plaque has a loose structure. Pigments penetrate the plaque, giving it a darker color. Regular brushing reduces the rate of plaque formation, but does not completely eliminate it. If teeth are brushed on an ad hoc basis, with little concern for getting to the farthest ones, plaque will quickly cover the enamel, absorb the pigments, and stain the teeth dark. There’s a reason why the tone of your teeth lightens after a professional cleaning.
  • Use of some rinses and medicationsSome brands of rinses contain substances such as ethacridinalactate, chlorhexidine bigluconate. Chromogens – their pigments can reach the dentin, changing its color.
  • Work in harmful industries Workersof mining and processing plants, metallurgical shops, manifests dental discoloration caused by metal vapors: iron, nickel, manganese. Poisoning with salts of heavy metals: mercury, antimony, also changes the color of the teeth, from light to dark gray.
  • Foodand drinksFood pigments from red wine, coffee, tea, berries (cherry, blackcurrant rowan, blueberries), other products gradually stain the teeth in an increasingly darker color.
  • Age-related changesAge also affects the color of teeth. Over the years, the dentin darkens and the enamel layer thins.

All of the above causes change the color of all or many teeth, but sometimes, discoloration takes over just one or two teeth.

Why a tooth darkens

A single tooth can change color for a variety of reasons. Most often, it is due to tooth decay. Decay starts with a white spot, but as the enamel breaks down, the spot becomes pigmented and becomes dark, or even black. If the tooth is blackened, it means that the infection has reached the dentin. This is fraught with complications and destruction of the crown part of the tooth.

Chronic inflammation of the pulp (pulpitis)

The nerve-vascular bundle, popularly called “nerve” and in dentistry “pulp”, provides nourishment to tissues and conducts signals between neurons. When decay eats away at the enamel and dentin, bacteria reach the pulp. It becomes inflamed. Pulpitis can be acute, and the pain is severe and difficult to tolerate. But sometimes the inflammation takes a chronic character, then flares up, then fades. Pain syndrome is not strongly pronounced. Each time the patient thinks that “everything has passed” and does not take measures. As a result, necrosis begins – tissues die off, the tooth changes color. If a slightly darkened front tooth or root tooth, it may be due to chronic pulpitis. A visit to the doctor is better not to postpone, pulpitis is dangerous complications

Trauma

When a tooth is fractured or severely bruised, the pulp can rupture. Hemorrhage occurs. Blood from the vessels fills the tubules of the dentin (the layer under the enamel), the iron of the blood reacts with oxygen, the result is a blackened tooth.

Filling material

Some fillings were placed many years ago, when amalgam was still used for filling, silver posts and spacers were used. When the marginal fit of the filling is compromised, oxygen is allowed to access them. Through oxidation, these materials darken, and with them the tooth.

Another cause of discoloritis – pastes for filling canals. They contain thymol, iodoform, formalin, phoredent, paracin. These substances can also provoke discoloritis. Therefore, if you have a darkened tooth inside, the dentist will be sure to ask if you have recently undergone endodontic treatment.

Dentist Mistakes

Sometimes, during treatment, the tips of dental instruments break off.Such a break off changes the color of the tooth.

Violation of treatment algorithms, traumatization of tissues, hemorrhage during intervention, use of low-quality consumables can cause discoloration. This is why the choice of dentist and clinic is so important. Qualified doctors practically do not make mistakes, and good clinics do not save on materials.

Whitening methods

In order to bring back a pleasant shade of color to the teeth are applied:

  • Clinical whitening This is the safest and most effective way to make teeth lighter by 8-10 shades at once. The procedure is well practiced and overdose is ruled out. Clinics apply a protective layer before starting the procedure. Then it is the turn of the whitening gel. It is activated by a photolamp, triggering a chemical reaction. As a result, the pigments are destroyed and the teeth become lighter. After the procedure, the dentist removes the remains of the gel in the mouth, removes the protective layer, gives recommendations on diet. If the tone has changed 1 tooth, the procedure of intracanal whitening is carried out. Bleach is injected into the tooth cavity, then the reaction is triggered by heating (thermocatalysis). Or heating is not used, simply changing the old portion of the whitening composition for a new one, until the desired shade is achieved.
  • Home whitening In the pharmacy, you can buy products for self-brightening of adult teeth. They work on the same principle (application of gel) as clinical whitening, but there are differences. Home whitening takes much longer.For the entire period it is necessary to exclude pigmented products from the diet.This is a good way to quit smoking, because smokers will have to give up cigarettes for the entire period of whitening (2-4 weeks).

    When bleaching on your own, it is easy to violate the dosage and get a chemical burn.Home whitening will not bring much effect to patients with fluorosis, tetracycline teeth, amalgam fillings.Whitening toothpastes with a high abrasion index can harm enamel and develop hypersensitivity. They should not be used daily. The whitening effect of such pastes is low.

  • Combined whitening In the clinic, an impression of the teeth is taken and individual mouth guards are made. The dentist instructs the patient on their use and gives the patient a whitening gel. The patient fills the mouth guard with gel, then puts it on the teeth. The whitening time frame depends on the system the patient is using, but no less than 3 days and no longer than 14 days.

Prevention

While black teeth are welcomed in some cultures, our benchmark is considered white teeth. To keep your teeth color for a long time, dentists recommend:

  • Get rid of plaque by brushing, flossing, or using an irrigator
  • Have regular professional hygiene
  • Visit a dentist for preventive checkups twice a year.

When you need to see a dentist

If you find that your teeth or one tooth has darkened dramatically, it’s time to make an appointment. The dentist will determine the cause and accordingly, develop a treatment plan. In case of tooth decay or pulpitis, it is necessary to treat the tooth. In case of trauma – to eliminate its consequences. Darkening of teeth can indicate inflammatory processes that lead to complications and tooth loss. If you go to the dentist in time, you can keep the whiteness of your teeth or get it back.

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