What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration can come in two forms: extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The former case involves having enamel stains that appear as white streaks, yellow tints, or brown spots. The latter consists of the internal structure of the tooth, dentin, displaying a yellow or sometimes gray appearance. There are multiple approaches to resolving extrinsic staining, but intrinsic cases may require cosmetic treatment options such as veneers.

There are multiple factors of tooth discoloration, these include:

• Foods such as coffee, wines, cherries, tea, and more.
• Excessive smoking or chewing of tobacco
• Low-quality dental hygiene
• Disease
• Medication
• Prior dental work
• Aging
• Excessive fluoride
• Trauma or injury
• Non-dental medical treatments

In addition to good hygiene, patients are encouraged to schedule regular visits to their dentist to ensure their teeth remain as pearly white as can be. For those seeking teeth whitening procedures in Westwood, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles, Lotus Family Dental provides both in-office and at-home treatments. In-office treatments consist of special peroxide gel being applied to the teeth. This gel penetrates the enamel to treat deep stains without harming the tooth structure. The gel is then enhanced in its effectiveness through a special light. For at-home treatments, a whitening gel is placed into special trays for the patient to wear during a period of day. The gel eventually removes stains without harming the tooth enamel.

To schedule a consultation, contact (310) 776-6441