What is the reason for changing the color of teeth and the best ways to whiten them?

Many people seek to understand the types of tooth discoloration, its causes, methods of treatment and prevention. It is natural for everyone to want to have white teeth, as white teeth not only reflect attractiveness, but also express oral health and personal hygiene. Therefore, front tooth discoloration is a source of annoyance for many people. In our next article on the Dalili Medical website, we will review the types of tooth discoloration, explain the difference between internal discoloration and caries, in addition to treating internal discoloration using laser and other methods. Follow us for more information.

What is the difference between teeth cleaning and whitening?

**Teeth cleaning from tartar and discoloration:** Teeth cleaning aims primarily to remove accumulated tartar, in addition to the plaque layer and external surface discoloration. This procedure restores the teeth to their natural color without changing their color or whitening. It is necessary to have a teeth cleaning session at the dentist once or twice a year, as the accumulation of tartar can lead to the erosion of the tooth bones and thus their loss. Therefore, teeth cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and protects the gums from inflammation.

**Teeth whitening:** Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that aims to lighten the color of teeth and give them a brighter and more beautiful appearance. Whitening helps treat stains that appear on teeth and changes in their color. The whitening process is a chemical process that affects the enamel layer of teeth and reaches the dentin layer that follows it, which leads to changing the original color of the teeth and removing internal stains in them.

When is it necessary to resort to cleaning treatment, and when is it necessary to perform teeth whitening?

Treatment methods vary according to the type of tooth discoloration. There are two main types of tooth discoloration:

The first is superficial discoloration, which can be easily removed and quickly modified.

The second is deep discoloration, which penetrates the tooth structure and requires the use of modern teeth whitening techniques, such as laser or zoom technology.

What are the causes that lead to teeth turning white?

1. Poor oral hygiene, as the appearance of white spots on the teeth is an early sign that may be followed by problems such as cavities and tooth decay.

2. Calcium deficiency in the enamel layer.

3. Fluoride poisoning, which occurs when the fluoride content in water exceeds 6 parts per million, and this can later lead to bone deformities in the joints and calcification of ligaments and cartilage.

4. A problem with the "mineralization" of enamel or dentin during the tooth formation stage, which may be a genetic problem.

Does iron medication cause black teeth?

Yes, taking iron, especially in the form of a syrup, can cause teeth to turn black, especially in children.

Does anemia cause yellow teeth?

Anemia can affect the structure of teeth and weaken them, but it does not affect their color.

Does coffee help whiten teeth?

No, coffee does not help whiten teeth; on the contrary, it may yellow them.

Does charcoal help whiten teeth?

Charcoal is an abrasive substance that some people use in an attempt to whiten their teeth. There are some toothpastes and tooth polishes that contain charcoal, but there is no strong evidence to support its effectiveness or safety. Some dentists warn against using abrasive materials, as they can erode the enamel, which can eventually lead to yellowing of the teeth.

Can turmeric help whiten teeth?

Turmeric may help whiten teeth, but it is considered an unhealthy option, as it may lead to tooth decay.

Can lemon help whiten teeth?

Lemon has bleaching properties due to its citric acid content. However, it is not recommended to use it in large quantities to avoid enamel erosion and tooth decay.

Are tooth discolorations related to general health?

Tooth discolorations can indicate general health problems, such as malnutrition, liver disease, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, or digestive problems.

Tooth discoloration can also occur as a result of the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline.

Does the natural color of teeth vary between individuals?

Yes, the natural color of teeth varies from person to person, and teeth are often not excessively white.

Teeth are usually blue-white or yellow-white.

Does eating too much sugar cause tooth discoloration?

Sugar consumption contributes to stimulating bacteria to secrete acids, which leads to the erosion of tooth enamel.

When tooth enamel erodes, the color of the teeth becomes more yellow due to the exposure of the inner dentin layer to external factors such as drinking colored drinks or smoking.

Do calcium-rich foods contribute to maintaining the whiteness of teeth?

Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, help maintain the white color of teeth, as they strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to stains.

What are the causes of teeth turning transparent?

Teeth can become transparent due to several factors:

1. **Enamel erosion**: This occurs when the hard, protective layer covering the inner tooth tissues is damaged.

2. **Dental hypoplasia**: This occurs due to the enamel not forming properly during the tooth formation stage in childhood.

3. **Mineral deficiency**: such as calcium and phosphorus.

What are the causes of tooth discoloration in children?

You might think that children's teeth don't get stained because they don't drink coffee, but in fact, staining children's teeth is more common than you think. The causes of staining children's teeth are:

1. **Excessive iron intake**: Iron-rich water or iron supplements used to treat anemia can cause gray or black spots to appear on a child's teeth. Although this discoloration is harmless, it can be easily eliminated by cleaning the teeth and adjusting the iron dose under the supervision of a doctor if necessary.

2. **Trauma**: Injuries and frequent falls can cause teeth to change color, as they can become dark or take on a blue or gray color. This is due to damage to the tooth pulp and bleeding.

3. **Fluorosis**: White lines or spots on the teeth may indicate fluorosis, which occurs as a result of excess fluoride in the water.

If you notice chalky spots on your child's teeth, this may be an early sign of tooth decay.

What causes gray teeth in children?

Gray teeth can be caused by several factors, including decay and trauma. There is a type of discoloration known as intrinsic discoloration, which occurs as a result of trauma, especially in children who play sports. Therefore, it is recommended to provide your child with a mouth and face guard to protect their teeth from potential injuries and discoloration.

As for extrinsic discoloration, it results from the accumulation of stains on the surface of the teeth. In addition, discoloration may occur as a result of a defect in the formation of primary or permanent teeth.

**Teeth Discoloration to Blue**

There are several reasons why teeth may appear blue:

1. **Natural Tooth Color**: Natural teeth come in a variety of colors and shades. One of the natural causes of tooth discoloration is a genetic condition known as "tooth agenesis imperfecta", which affects the structure and appearance of teeth. Children's teeth may appear blue-gray or yellow-brown.

2. **Early Exposure to Antibiotics**: Early exposure to tetracycline, either during pregnancy or infancy, can cause teeth to change color in adulthood, with blue-gray or yellow-brown spots appearing on the teeth.

3. **Dental Fillings**: Platinum dental fillings can give teeth a gray or blue appearance.

4. **Dental Pulp Death**: The pulp or nerves inside the tooth can die as a result of decay, inflammation, or trauma, causing the teeth to turn dark pink, gray, or black.

What causes tooth discoloration after a filling?

Dental fillings, such as silver amalgam, can cause a gray or blue color to appear on the tooth. This is due to the leakage of some compounds from these materials, such as glass ionomer and acrylic, into the surrounding soft tissue. Metal crowns covered with porcelain may also appear blue-gray on the surface of the tooth, as a result of the metallic color reflecting off the enamel or translucent porcelain layer.

This problem can be treated with white "laser" fillings or all-porcelain crowns. (For more details, you can see the article on fixed fillings here.)

What causes blue gums in children?

If your child is teething, you may notice bruise-colored bumps on his gums. This color is likely the result of an eruption cyst or hematoma, which is a normal reaction to a new tooth emerging from the gums.

Tooth discoloration after root canal?

After a root canal, the tooth dies, and rarely changes color due to the filling or materials used to gray, black, or yellow.

Does tooth discoloration cause pain?

Tooth discoloration does not cause pain unless it is caused by trauma or injury to the tooth.

Can toothpaste remove stains?

Some toothpastes contain abrasives such as charcoal, which help remove stains. Whitening toothpastes are a relatively inexpensive option that can lighten the color of teeth slightly. Some of these toothpastes contain peroxides, but they do not stay on the teeth long enough to achieve a strong whitening effect.

Dental care using a brush, toothpaste, and floss, in addition to mouthwash, helps prevent stains. These factors play a role in combating plaque, a hard white substance that forms on teeth, which helps reduce the adhesion of stains to the teeth.

What is the difference between cavities and stains?

There are several ways to differentiate between tooth decay and staining, as follows:

- Tooth staining does not cause any pain, while decay causes a feeling of pain.

- Staining is superficial and can be removed using a brush and toothpaste.

- On the contrary, decay appears in the form of a deep cavity in the tooth and cannot be eliminated by simply brushing the teeth.

- Decay causes tooth sensitivity to cold or warm drinks, while this does not happen with staining.

Can the color of a dental crown be changed?

Yes, the color of a dental crown can change over time, depending on the type of crown as well as the consumption of foods and drinks that may lead to yellowing of the teeth. Acrylic is the most susceptible to color change, followed by porcelain. While zirconium and e-max composites, which are recently used in the manufacture of veneers and dental crowns at Capital Dental Clinic, are the most resistant to staining and are characterized by their long life.

What causes the blackening of the front teeth in children?

The blackening of the color of the front teeth of children is largely due to the presence of decay in them. Therefore, it is necessary for your child to make an appointment with the dentist to have a cosmetic white filling.

What are the causes of tooth discoloration after it falls out in children?

In some cases, the child's teeth may fall out, and the doctor may replant them in their place until they are replaced with natural teeth. However, as a result of falling out, internal bleeding may occur in the teeth, which leads to blood leakage through the nerve canals and affects the color of the tooth pulp.

### Causes of tooth discoloration

**Caries:** Tooth decay is one of the main causes of tooth discoloration, as the color can range from brown to black or chalky, depending on the degree of decay.

**Smoking:** Different types of tobacco, such as cigarettes, hookah, and pipes, directly affect the color of the teeth. Ingredients such as nicotine, tar, and other chemicals cause teeth to turn a dark color, making them look unattractive. Chewing tobacco can also contribute to tooth discolorationTeeth.

**Foods and drinks:** Some foods and drinks can cause tooth discoloration when they come into contact with the outer layer. Among these foods and drinks are tea, coffee, Pepsi, and chocolate.

**Medications and treatments:** Antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline are among the most prominent medications that lead to tooth discoloration, especially in children whose teeth are still developing (before the age of eight), or when pregnant women take these medications.

For psychosis:

- Medications to treat high blood pressure.

- Chemotherapy.

- Radiation therapy to the head and neck area.

Mouthwash: Excessive use of mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can lead to tooth discoloration.

Fluoride poisoning: Taking large amounts of fluoride over the long term can cause teeth to turn chalky white or brown. Teeth can be exposed to high levels of fluoride due to its natural presence in drinking water, or through excessive use of dental care products that contain fluoride such as mouthwash and toothpaste, in addition to taking fluoride supplements by mouth.

Anti-Disease Medications

**The Effect of Damage to Teeth:** One of the reasons that leads to tooth discoloration is exposure to an accident or sudden blow, or injury. The tooth can also change color after a root canal procedure, as it may gradually turn brown or black.

**Other Causes of Tooth Discoloration:** Other causes of tooth discoloration include the following:

- Aging.

- Genetic factors.

- Not brushing and flossing teeth enough to remove plaque and staining materials.

- Diseases that affect the enamel and dentin (the material under the enamel layer).

- The presence of dental fillings.

Types of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration can be classified into several categories based on the cause behind the staining or color that the teeth acquired. The main types of tooth discoloration are as follows according to the cause:

1. **Extrinsic tooth discoloration**: This discoloration is related to the change in the color of the teeth from the outside, i.e. from the enamel layer or the outer surface of the tooth. This occurs as a result of the teeth being exposed to certain causes such as foods, drinks, or smoke.

2. **Intrinsic tooth discoloration**: Also known as true or intrinsic tooth discoloration. In this type, the stains and discolorations are located inside the tooth itself, making them more resistant to over-the-counter whitening products. This type of discoloration often appears gray, and can be caused by:

- Certain medications.

- Trauma or injury to the tooth.

- Tooth decay.

- Excessive exposure to fluoride.

- Genetic factors.

3. **Age-related tooth discoloration**: As we age, the enamel of the teeth begins to erode, which leads to the appearance of the tooth pulp, which is a different color.

Types of Tooth Discoloration by Color

Tooth discoloration varies in color, and the color of the stain can help determine the cause of tooth discoloration. Among the different colors of tooth discoloration or stains, we find:

**Yellow tooth discoloration:** Aging is often the main cause of yellow teeth. Other causes that may lead to this color include:

- Smoking or chewing tobacco.

- Drinking beverages such as tea, coffee, or red wine.

- Eating a diet rich in simple sugars.

- Some medications.

- Poor oral hygiene.

- Chronic dry mouth.

**Brown tooth discoloration:** Causes that lead to brown tooth discoloration include the following:

- Smoking.

- Drinking dark beverages such as tea, coffee, cola, or red wine.

- Not cleaning your teeth well, which leads to tartar buildup.

- Eating fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates.

- Untreated tooth decay.

**White Tooth Stains:** Excessive amounts of fluoride can cause white spots on teeth, known as fluorosis. This is caused by high levels of fluoride in drinking water, or excessive use of fluoride mouthwashes and toothpastes. Cavities can also appear as white spots on teeth, which may darken over time.

**Black Tooth Stains:** Tooth decay or pulp necrosis can cause teeth to turn gray or black. In addition, chewing betel nuts can cause black teeth. Overexposure to minerals such as iron, manganese, or silver, whether from environmental pollution or taking supplements (especially liquid ones), can also cause black lines to appear on teeth.

**Purple Stains:** Drinking red wine can cause stains on tooth enamel, causing teeth to turn red.

**Green Stains:** These stains usually appear on the front teeth, and are caused by colored bacterial products that develop on organic food residues. These stains often form on rough enamel surfaces and can be removed with difficulty through professional cleaning at the dentist.

**Orange stains:** These are rare stains that appear as thin deposits of red or orange, and sometimes yellow, color on the teeth. Although the exact cause of their appearance is unknown, they are sometimes attributed to colored bacteria.

**Tobacco stains:** These stains form on the surfaces of smokers' teeth and appear black to yellow in color. They accumulate particularly on the lingual surfaces of the teeth, as well as on areas covered with plaque and mucous membranes. These stains can be easily removed if they are superficial through cleaning and polishing, but it becomes more complicated when they penetrate into cracks, gutters and damaged enamel. It is worth noting that these stainsIt gets worse in people who smoke or chew tobacco, due to the density of tobacco smoke that easily penetrates the enamel layer, which leads to a change in the color of the teeth.

**2. Internal stains:** They appear as a result of the deposition of substances and their penetration into the depth of the dentin and enamel:

- **Plaques resulting from improper dentin formation:** These plaques affect permanent and temporary teeth, causing changes in the color of the dentin from gray to violet-brown or yellowish-brown.

- **Stains resulting from poor enamel formation:** In this case, the enamel is thin and brown in color due to defects in its formation.

- **Tooth stains resulting from liver and bile duct disorders:** If these disorders occur during tooth formation, bile pigments accumulate in the components of the teeth, resulting in a greenish-yellow color, and these stains are not related to formation defects.

- **Tooth stains resulting from fluorosis or enamel staining:** These stains are formed as a result of consuming large amounts of fluoride in drinking water during the period of tooth formation and growth. The higher the fluoride content, the more intense the staining, ranging from white spots to brown or black stains.

- **Tooth stains resulting from pulp injury:** These stains are caused by bleeding in the pulp chamber, followed by hemochromatosis leaking into the dentinal tubules.

**Tooth stains resulting from tetracycline intake:** When tetracycline, an antibiotic, is given to a pregnant woman or a child during tooth formation, it accumulates in the tooth tissue, causing it to change color to shades ranging from light gray to yellow to dark gray. The color of the staining depends on the amount of tetracycline taken. As the child gets older, the color of the staining tends to brown. Tetracycline stains on teeth are most commonly caused by poor enamel formation.

Teeth whitening methods at the dentist's office

**Teeth whitening using cosmetic lenses (veneers):** The dentist removes a small portion of the tooth enamel and then installs cosmetic lenses known as veneers. This method is characterized by giving the patient a wide range of color options for the desired front teeth, unlike laser teeth whitening. However, the main disadvantage of this method is the need to remove part of the teeth.

**Teeth whitening using anterior fillings** Under the supervision of a dentist, a layer of white filling that hardens by laser is applied to the teeth, in a color chosen by the patient.

This method gives excellent results, but one of its disadvantages is that it needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years due to its disintegration or discoloration. However, this method remains an excellent solution during that period.

**Cleaning dental tartar** A layer of tartar forms on the teeth above the gum line, causing a yellow or dark brown color, which negatively affects the overall appearance and smell of the teeth.

Getting rid of tartar is essential to maintaining oral health, the lifespan of the teeth, and their appearance. The doctor uses ultrasonic tools or special scraping tools to remove the tartar layer.

After that, he polishes the teeth and provides instructions on the dangers of tartar and the importance of removing it every 6 months (twice a year).

Teeth cleaning from tartar is an easy step, and leads to amazing results in the shape and color of the teeth. If you suffer from tartar, this process will definitely contribute to the health of your teeth in the long term.

Advantages of laser teeth whitening:

Laser teeth whitening is one of the fastest methods available, as it can be performed in one session without the need for anesthesia. To protect the mouth and gums and avoid the effect of bleaching materials, a semi-gel material is applied to the gums, then a chemical containing hydrogen peroxide is used to cover the teeth. This material is then activated using a laser.

**Teeth whitening using Zoom:** Zoom technology works in a similar way to laser whitening, but it relies on a different type of lighting, as ultraviolet light is used to enhance the effectiveness of the bleaching material.

Zoom technology isolates the teeth before applying the bleaching material that removes stains, then Zoom light is used to harden this material on the teeth. This procedure requires several sessions (from 3 to 4 sessions), with each session taking about 15 minutes to achieve the desired degree of whiteness.

**Advantages of Zoom Teeth Whitening** Zoom technology is characterized by its ability to deliver the bleaching material to greater depths, which helps remove stubborn stains and lighten the color of teeth by approximately eight shades.

This technology allows for the treatment of all teeth in one session, unlike laser treatments that focus on small areas at a time.

Zoom technology filters out infrared emissions, which reduces the temperature that the teeth are exposed to, which makes it more popular among celebrities and the general public.

Differences between Zoom and laser teeth whitening

Zoom technology filters out infrared rays, while laser teeth whitening treatments do not involve this process.

Zoom technology allows all teeth to be whitened at once, while laser treatments focus on one tooth in each session.

Zoom treatments provide faster results in teeth whitening.

Patients with tooth sensitivity may have difficulty tolerating three consecutive Zoom sessions, making laser teeth whitening a more comfortable option for them.

**Teeth Whitening Trays**

Teeth whitening trays are one of the effective home methods for lightening the color of teeth, and they are characterized by being done under the supervision of a dentist. These trays are made of flexible plastic that easily adapts to the shape of the teeth, and the bleaching material is added to them.

Home whitening trays are mainly used to treat mild to moderate stains, but they are not the best option for severe stains, as these cases require sittingLaser, Zoom or Veneer treatment.

How to use teeth whitening trays

The trays should be used at home after consulting a doctor first, and the process is as follows:

1. Wash your teeth well and clean them using a brush, toothpaste and dental floss.

2. Place the bleaching material inside the tray.

3. Install the tray on your teeth using the attached adhesive.

4. Leave the tray for one to two hours.

5. Remove the tray and wash your teeth well, then clean the tray to keep it for use the next day.

Advantages of teeth whitening trays

Whitening trays are characterized by providing great results that far exceed those provided by other topical products such as whitening gel and whitening toothpaste.

They are easy to use, as they can be applied at home without the need to visit the clinic, but they must be prescribed by a doctor in advance.

They are a suitable option for mild to moderate pigmentation.

They are characterized by their low cost.

Disadvantages of whitening trays

They are not the best option for severe stains, in which case it is preferable to look for more effective solutions such as laser whitening or zoom technology.

Some irritations may occur in the gums as a result of the bleaching material, and if this happens, it is recommended to contact your doctor.

You need a long period of time to get noticeable results, as it requires at least two weeks.

Teeth whitening at home

**Types of teeth whitening using natural materials:** There are several ways to whiten teeth using natural materials, which can help reduce excessive yellowing of the teeth and remove some yellow spots. The most prominent of these methods are:

1. **Using salt and water:** Salt is effective in neutralizing the acidity of the mouth, which contributes to reducing yellowing of the teeth. A solution can be prepared by adding a teaspoon or half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, then gargling for 30 seconds. However, caution should be exercised against overuse, as it may lead to high blood pressure and dry throat and mouth.

2. **Eat fruits:** such as apples and strawberries, as these fruits contain malic acid that helps whiten teeth.

3. **Sodium bicarbonate:** Sodium bicarbonate is used to whiten teeth, and is often added to toothpastes. It is best to use it for short periods only.

4. **Avoid colored foods:** It is recommended to reduce the intake of colored foods and focus on white foods.

5. **Use coconut oil:** You can gargle with coconut oil for 15 seconds, as it helps get rid of bacteria.

Using these natural methods, you can maintain the whiteness of your teeth and effectively reduce yellowing.

**6- Use banana peel**

Methods for whitening artificial teeth at home

1. **Teeth whitening strip** The whitening strip includes a gel designed to lighten teeth, which is applied to the front surface of the teeth. This product is available in pharmacies and some stores, and works to lighten teeth by one or two shades.

2. **Home Whitening Gel** The gel is placed on the toothbrush and then applied to the teeth twice daily for 14 days.

3. **Mouthwash containing bleaching materials** There is a whitening toothpaste that contains ingredients that help remove stains on the teeth, which helps lighten them by one or two shades.

4. **Dental mold** The dental mold is used with the whitening gel, where it is left for two to four hours. The manufacturer provides instructions on how to use it correctly.