1. Cosmetic Dentist in Scottsdale Exposes the
Ugly Truth about Tooth Discoloration
DENTAL STUDIO 101

2. • Stains in the teeth can cause embarrassment to many,
especially in today’s society where appearance seems to
outweigh every other aspects of a person.
• But let’s face it: no one has perfectly white teeth. As we
age, our teeth become naturally dull depending on every
person’s genetic makeup, and how they are being treated
at present.

3. • Tooth discoloration has two types: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic discoloration happens on the enamel or the
outer part of the tooth and is typically easy to remedy
with whitening products, while intrinsic discoloration
occurs in the dentin, the inner structure of a tooth, and
potentially requires cosmetic treatments.

4. How does discoloration happen?
Teeth may get stained or discolored for a number of
reasons.
• Bad oral hygiene – Obviously, not brushing or flossing
regularly will definitely give you stained and discolored
teeth over time.

5. • Tobacco use – nicotine from tobacco may badly stain the
teeth.
• Food and beverages – teeth-staining substances such as
colas, wines, coffee, tea, and even certain vegetables and
fruits can cause discoloration.

6. • Certain diseases – Discolored teeth may be a result of a
medical condition and treatments. Cancer treatments that
include radiation in the head and neck may cause
discoloration. Chemotherapy is another culprit.
Moreover, certain infections during pregnancy can affect
the baby’s developing enamel causing discoloration.

7. • Medications – Drugs such as antidepressants, antibiotics,
antihistamines and other certain kinds of medicine may
discolor the teeth. Children who are given tetracycline
and doxycycline during the growth of their adult teeth can
develop discoloration in the teeth.
• Dental procedures – Indeed, some dental work can induce
a grayish black shade to the teeth. Procedures such as
silver amalgam restorations require materials that can
cause discoloration.

8. • Trauma – An injury in the mouth area, like getting hit by
a ball, can damage the nerve and chip your teeth, which
can result to discolored teeth.
• Aging – Advancing age may be blamed for the thinning
of not just your hair, but your enamel, too. As the tooth
enamel wears away, it reveals the inner part of the tooth
called the dentin which is naturally yellow in color.

9. • Genetics – Each individual is born with a different shade
of teeth—some may have thicker enamel and brighter
teeth, and others may have not.
• The environment – If you’re big on swimming, you may
be getting too much fluoride that’s causing the
discoloration.

10. How Can It Be Prevented?
• Lifestyle changes are needed to be made to avoid stained or
discolored teeth.
• Cutting back on tooth-staining food, drinks, and habits is a
great way to start.
• Too much of anything is bad. May it be the water you’re
drinking, the toothpaste you’re using or the pool water you’re
swimming in, fluoride exposure should be limited and
controlled. You can minimize the stain the pool water is
causing by brushing your teeth after being submerged for an
hour.

11. • Up your oral care routine. Brush twice daily and floss
once a day.
• Make visiting a cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale a habit,
especially if you notice any color abnormality in your
teeth. Consult Dental Studio 101’s cosmetic dentist in
Scottsdale for discoloration treatments.