There are two types of teeth discoloration: external and internal.
External stains form on the enamel (the outermost layer of our teeth) and can be effectively removed with a scaling and polishing procedure. These are usually caused by poor dental hygiene or tobacco use.
On the other hand, internal discoloration occurs in the dentin (the layer of our teeth below the enamel) and cannot be removed by standard scaling and polishing. A common cause is frequent consumption of tea, coffee or red wine. Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline may also cause discoloration of teeth. Another factor is heredity. Each person’s dentin comes in shades of either yellow, blue or grey. Based on genetics, the thickness of the enamel affects how much of the dentin shows through. As people age, the enamel also thins, showing more of the dentin.
In addition, trauma or internal bleeding in the tooth can make it look greyish. Depending on the dental problem, other treatments may need to be done prior to whitening treatment. It is best to consult your dentist to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening treatments and products.
Read more about Teeth Whitening.
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