Genetics, lifestyle habits, and diet all affect the look of your teeth. Premature tooth discoloration could result from medication, injury, or other issues. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and consuming staining drinks like coffee, tea, and wine can also impact tooth color. Discolored teeth are a common cosmetic dental concern that we treat in our Lancaster and Palmdale, CA dental offices.
While most tooth discoloration does not indicate a dental issue, it can impact confidence. You may cover your smile around others, especially if you have stained front teeth. At Premier Dental Care, we can find the best whitening method to treat tooth stains. Whether you have stained teeth due to foods and drinks or medications, we’re here to help.
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
There are many different reasons why you may have discolored teeth. For starters, genetics plays a factor. All of us have teeth that are of different shades.
Age is also a natural factor. The tooth enamel layer thins as we age, which shows the dark underlayer. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. This layer is typically more yellow, so your teeth will continue to change as the enamel wears away.
Many different lifestyle habits can contribute to discolored teeth. Smoking, for example, leaves teeth prone to tooth staining due to tar and other chemicals. Regularly drinking coffee, tea, soda, or other dark drinks will also change the shade of your teeth over time.
Certain medications stain teeth. Tetracycline stains are common among young patients. These leave permanent staining that doesn’t usually respond to traditional whitening treatments.
Dental injuries or hits also change tooth color. Sometimes, an injured tooth can no longer receive proper blood flow, and as a result, it turns gray.
Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth in Lancaster and Palmdale, CA
Our cosmetic teeth whitening solutions help treat intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains are within the tooth, while extrinsic stains affect the outer layer of the tooth or the tooth enamel.
If you have surface stains, our office may recommend professional teeth whitening. Veneers or dental bonding treatment can best work for deep stains or stains in only one or several teeth.
Our offices provide these treatments for discolored teeth:
Tooth Whitening
The most common way to treat discolored teeth is with professional tooth whitening. It offers many benefits compared to over-the-counter options. Professional teeth whitening products give you a whiter smile with less sensitivity.
We offer in-office and at-home whitening treatments, depending on your preference and what fits your goals and budget best. Take-home whitening is more gradual, while in-office whitening can provide immediate results.
Teeth whitening is a great option for upcoming events. You can get treatment before a wedding, graduation, or birthday.
Porcelain Veneers
Some forms of tooth discoloration don’t respond to traditional whitening techniques. In cases like these, porcelain veneers are a good choice. Our veneers are made of thin shells placed on the front and sides of your teeth.
Veneers are color-matched to the shade of white you prefer. They are made of a stain-resistant material. Dental veneers are considered a permanent restoration.
We etch into your teeth to ensure the veneers properly bond to them without looking or feeling bulky. While patients who want lasting treatment may benefit from veneers, we may recommend bonding for patients who want reversible treatment.
Tooth Bonding
If you’re not ready for a permanent restoration or want a more cost-effective option, tooth bonding is the answer. The bonding material is flexible, and we can mold it to completely cover a tooth.
In addition, we can color-match this material to any shade you desire. We ensure that your bonded tooth blends in with your natural teeth, making it a great option if you have a single stained tooth.
Tooth bonding isn’t considered a permanent restoration. However, dental bonding costs less than veneers. Additionally, depending on how you care for your bonded teeth, your results can last about three to ten years.
Keeping Teeth White
After your teeth whitening, veneer, or bonding treatment, you must maintain your results. To keep teeth bright after cosmetic treatment, we recommend:
- Brushing and flossing twice daily: Bacteria and leftover food can yellow your teeth. When you brush and floss, you can remove surface stains and bacteria. Consistent brushing and flossing can improve your health and the appearance of your teeth.
- Avoiding acidic and dark foods or drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can wear down teeth and change the color of your teeth. Other foods and drinks can dye teeth over time.
- Visiting the dentist every six months: We will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums at routine visits. A dental cleaning helps remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
- Getting touch-up whitening: We can provide in-office teeth whitening touch-ups to keep your teeth white. Whitening lasts 6 or more months and needs touch-ups for your teeth to stay white.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Learn more about treating tooth stains and discolored teeth in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA, with answers to these common questions:
Can discolored teeth create dental problems?
Most of the time, tooth color is a cosmetic issue. However, some dental problems can lead to tooth discoloration. Some patients with single or several discolored teeth may experience discoloration because of tooth decay.
Other oral health issues can also stain teeth. Please get in touch with our dentist if you suddenly notice symptoms like tooth pain and discoloration.
What if tooth whitening doesn’t work?
While professional teeth whitening is a quality solution for most types of staining, some stains may be resistant. For instance, spots caused by medication won’t respond to traditional whitening techniques. A visit with our dentist can determine the best whitening solutions for you. Other options, like veneers and tooth bonding, can cover stubborn tooth stains.
Can a vitamin deficiency discolor teeth?
Yes, sometimes, if you do not have enough vitamins or minerals, it can impact your teeth. A lack of Vitamin B12 and calcium can increase the risk of tooth discoloration. B12 helps provide oxygen to teeth and gums and can prevent bacterial buildup on teeth.
Calcium helps strengthen bones, including teeth. Bacteria buildup or tooth wear from a lack of these vitamins can change the shade of teeth.
Can certain medications cause tooth discoloration?
Yes, certain medications can cause tooth discoloration. For example, antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline can stain teeth during tooth development in children. Additionally, antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and blood pressure medications might also affect tooth color. If you’re concerned, it’s important to discuss this with our office.
Can a single discolored tooth be treated?
Yes, a single discolored tooth can often be treated. The cause could be something like trauma, decay, or a deep internal stain. We have a few options, like teeth whitening, bonding, or a dental veneer. These will restore the natural appearance. The ideal solution depends on the underlying reason for the discoloration. We’ll examine the tooth and discuss the best treatment plan to get your smile looking bright again.
Does coffee discolor teeth?
Yes, coffee can discolor your teeth over time. It contains tannins that can lead to staining of the tooth enamel. Regular consumption may make your teeth appear yellow or brownish. Brushing after drinking coffee and regular dental cleanings can help reduce staining.
Can some foods help naturally brighten my teeth?
Yes, some foods can help naturally brighten your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, carrots, and celery, can help scrub your teeth as you chew.
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help remove surface stains from your teeth. Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain that can help break down stains on your teeth and make them look whiter. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese contain calcium and phosphorus, which can help strengthen your teeth.
Can a discolored tooth be a sign of infection?
Yes, a discolored tooth can sometimes be a sign of an infection. If a tooth turns dark or gray, it might mean there’s a problem inside the tooth, like an infection in the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth.
How it Happens: Sometimes, when a tooth gets damaged from a cavity or injury, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause an infection. This can lead to discoloration. Other signs of infection can include pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. If you notice these signs, contact our dental office.
Schedule a Visit Today
Erase years of tooth stains with treatment for discolored teeth in Lancaster and Palmdale, CA. Call our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can call our Palmdale office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.
Please ask us any questions at your next visit. We’re here to help you find the best cosmetic treatment to change your smile.