CLINICAL CASE
Dark teeth
Dental stains are alterations in the coloration of the teeth caused by intrinsic and extrinsic reasons. The intrinsic causes are those in which the pigments that alter the color of the teeth come from inside it. They are related to diseases, alterations in the formation of the tooth, ingestion of substances (tetracyclines, fluoride, etc.), dental aging, dental diseases (caries, trauma, necrosis, bleeding, etc.) and materials used to treat the tooth (amalgam dental, composite, etc.). Extrinsic causes are associated with external substances that can alter the color of the teeth. These substances can come from food (coffee, tea, wine, etc.), tobacco or bacterial deposits.
Treatment of staining depends on the cause. In short-term extrinsic staining, dental disinfection by means of tartrectomies and polishing of dental surfaces is sufficient. In long-lasting extrinsic stains caused by tobacco or metallic agents, the professional application of internal or external bleaching agents is necessary. The dental whitening techniques that exist today are very effective and consist of the use of components such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide that clean the inside of the teeth of the pigments that darken it. Treatment can be done in the dental office with a light/laser that activates the whitening product or by applying whitening medication at home. Normally, both techniques are applied together.
Before and after treatment
47-year-old patient who comes to our center to resolve the irregular darkening of his teeth. The patient reported a progressive darkening of her dentition in recent years that had not been uniform, but had been more intense in some teeth than in others. The treatment consisted of an external bleaching session in the clinic lasting one hour, accompanied by the application of the bleaching agent at home for the following 7 days. The result offers a uniform lightening of the entire dentition that was highly satisfactory for the patient.
Learn more about the clinical case of dark teeth.
This teeth whitening case is a 47-year-old patient with dark teeth, caused by coffee and tobacco intake. After several whitening sessions in the clinic, the original white color of her teeth has been restored.
It should be noted that darkening of the teeth is a problem that affects a large part of the population. The origin may be related to several causes such as the intake of drugs (such as tetracyclines), childhood diseases or poor dental hygiene.
Other causes of dark teeth are dental aging, impact trauma, tooth pathologies and deposits of substances on the tooth surface caused by frequent consumption of coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, etc.
In order to restore the natural color of the teeth, different therapies can be applied, which vary according to each particular case. For example, teeth whitening can be performed by professionals of Dental Aesthetics in the Clinic, up to the placement of veneers, which are ceramic laminates permanently and durably bonded on the tooth, the famous dental veneers.
At Clínica Pronova, we offer different types of aesthetic dental treatments.
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How to remove stains from teeth?
First, we must make a diagnosis of the cause of the stains on the teeth. Afterwards, the stain removal treatment is established. The most frequent treatments are: deep teeth cleaning, professional teeth whitening and the technique of composite dental veneers.
What are the foods that stain teeth?
Some of the foods that stain teeth the most are:
- Vegetables and fruits with high pigmentation and high acidity.
- Candies and sweets, which have a lot of added coloration.
- Wine, red and white, which cause stains on teeth.
- Coffee is also a frequent cause of stained and dark teeth.
- Tea is also another beverage that stains teeth.
- Soy sauce and vinegar: both the coloring and the acidity cause stains on the teeth.
- Soft drinks and sodas, as well as other sugar-containing and energy drinks.
- Finally, one of the most frequent causes of tooth stains is not a food, but tobacco consumption.
Why does chlorhexidine stain teeth?
Chlorhexidine stains teeth when it meets dental plaque, as it is a very reactive substance and can generate stains. It is important to keep in mind that if the dentist has prescribed a mouthwash with chlorhexidine after a tooth extraction or infection, it is because of its high antibacterial power.
If you follow its indications of time and mode of use, you will avoid both the appearance of bacteria and stains. In the event that some stains appear, they will disappear using a whitening toothpaste or with a deep dental cleaning.
Why do I have dark or yellow teeth if I brush them?
Yellow teeth can have multiple causes: certain foods, aging teeth, poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, some medications and certain diseases can contribute to the yellow color of your teeth.
