Teeth Whitening

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Over time our teeth become dull and discolored, to some degree, no matter how careful we are. It is a natural part of aging. Some causes of discoloration can be avoided, but most are just a part of everyday life. Some may have even started before you were born.

Two types of discoloration
Your teeth can be discolored from the inside (intrinsic) or the outside (extrinsic).

Intrinsic staining is very difficult or impossible to remove, but can be covered with porcelain veneers.

Extrinsic discoloration
Extrinsic staining can be corrected with tooth whitening or sometimes just a good professional cleaning. Almost everyone will eventually suffer from some extrinsic staining. Some common causes include:

• Aging
• Pigmented beverages such as black tea, coffee, and red wine
• Foods such as dark berries
• Tobacco use
• Topical medications
• Excessive plaque

You can minimize extrinsic staining by proper brushing and flossing and by getting regular cleanings.

Tooth erosion
Tooth erosion can accelerate extrinsic staining by corroding the tooth enamel and leaving it less resistant to staining. Erosion can be caused by:
Soda drinks (which are acidic)
Digestive acids
Excessive chlorine

Intrinsic staining
When teeth are stained on the inside, the problem often starts in childhood with such things as:

• Infections
• Certain medications
• Excessive fluoride
• Certain health problems
• Trauma
• Amalgam restorations
• Heredity
• Nutritional deficiencies

The staining becomes part of the tooth as it grows.

Tetracycline
Intrinsic stains caused by tetracycline, an antibiotic, are some of the hardest to work with. In most cases they cannot be removed, and they can be so dark that they show through many dental restorations. However, they can be covered successfully with porcelain veneers.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combines LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic dentistry solutions. You could learn more by reading our Zoom teeth whitening page and Zoom tooth whitening questions, viewing our teeth whitening patient gallery, and by calling today to schedule your initial teeth whitening consultation.