How to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth

28 December 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Tooth discolouration is a very common problem; in the vast majority of cases, however, it is not a sign of any underlying dental issue and as such, is no cause for concern. However, if you feel a bit self-conscious about your smile because of your discoloured teeth, here are some of the things you can do to address this issue.

At-home method

There is a huge range of over-the-counter tooth-whitening kits available. Most of these kits contain a mild concentration of hydrogen peroxide (i.e. bleach), a chemical which is known to lighten stained teeth. The bleach usually comes in gel form and is applied to a pair of mouth trays, which you then place against your teeth and gums. The amount of time the trays need to be worn will vary, depending on the concentration of bleach.

If you decide to use an at-home whitening kit, it's crucial to make sure that the trays fit tightly against your teeth and gums, with no gaps, as both oxygen and saliva can deactivate the bleach, which can, in turn, lead to uneven and patchy results. Additionally, make sure that you do not leave the bleach on for longer than the kit's instructions recommend, as this can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

To prevent your teeth from becoming stained again in the future, make sure to reduce your consumption of liquids that can cause discolouration (things like tea, coffee and sugar-laden fizzy drinks, for example). If you don't want to eliminate these drinks from your diet, you can opt to consume them through a straw instead, so as to stop them from coming into contact with your newly whitened teeth.

Professional dental treatments

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years and there are now several treatment options available for those with discoloured teeth. The specific method a dentist chooses to employ will depend on the type and severity of the discolouration. For example, if your teeth have become badly stained as a result of extrinsic factors, such as heavy smoking and excessive consumption of coffee, your dentist will probably recommend a bleach whitening treatment.

This is similar to that of the at-home treatment described above; however, if you choose to have the bleaching performed by a dentist, they will take impressions of your mouth, to create trays which are an exact fit for your teeth and gums. This will ensure a perfectly even result. Additionally, dentists are able to use much stronger solutions of bleach, which will whiten your teeth far better than any at-home kit possibly could.

If your teeth are discoloured because of intrinsic factors (for example, if as a child, you used tetracycline antibiotics or were exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride), bleaching treatments may not be effective. In this case, your dentist may suggest that you have veneers fitted instead. Veneers cover the front of teeth, essentially serving as a mask which disguises discolouration.