Teeth change colour for many reasons. Knowing the cause helps decide which treatment will work.
Surface (extrinsic) stains
These sit on the outer layer of enamel and are caused by:
- Tea, coffee, red wine and cola
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Some foods, such as curries and berries
- Plaque and tartar build-up
Surface stains are often removed with a professional scale and polish.
Internal (intrinsic) stains
These sit within the tooth and can’t be brushed away:
- Natural ageing, as enamel thins and the yellow dentine underneath shows through
- A tooth that has died or had root canal treatment, which may turn grey
- Some antibiotics taken in childhood, such as tetracycline
- Too much fluoride while teeth were forming (fluorosis), which causes white or brown marks
- Injury to a tooth
Treatment options
- Scale and polish for surface stains, from R600
- Professional whitening for general yellowing, from R3 000
- Bonding or crowns for stains that whitening can’t remove, or for single dark teeth
- Treating any decay first, since dark spots can sometimes be cavities
Keeping teeth brighter
- Rinse with water after tea, coffee or red wine.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Stop smoking.
- Have regular cleaning.
Not sure what’s causing your stains? Book a check-up with Dr H.B Mohamed in Lenasia. See our fees.