Tooth Discoloration Services Summerlin, Spring Valley And Nearby Nevada Locations
There are many factors in our daily lives that can affect the color of our teeth and cause tooth discoloration. At Nevada Dental Esthetics in Las Vegas, we find that many of our patients are concerned over the color of their teeth. Some have perfect smiles otherwise, but want their teeth to be whiter and brighter.
Sometimes better oral hygiene or different hygiene products may be the answer, but for others the solution is more complex. Below are a few of the more common causes of tooth discoloration:
- Pigmented foods like blackberries and blueberries, and certain other foods like apples or potatoes (believe it or not)
- Coffee, black tea, cola drinks and red wines
- Tobacco use
- Medications – the use of tetracycline while teeth are developing; also use of some antihistamines
- Trauma – injury can cause a tooth to darken over time
- Poor hygiene
- Treatment for certain diseases – chemotherapy or radiation of the head and neck can cause discoloration
- Age – as we age, our bodies change; ne of the inevitable changes is the yellowing of our teeth
- Genetics – some people are genetically predisposed to have more pigment in their teeth than others
The good news is that most discoloration can be easily and successfully treated. If you have darkened or stained teeth and it causes you embarrassment, contact us today by calling 702-737-3553 for a free initial consultation, and we'll discuss what treatment options are appropriate for you.
Treatment Options (tooth discoloration)
Depending on the cause of your discoloration or the severity of it, Dr. Paez and his staff may offer one of several of the following treatments to help bring back your whitest smile:
- Proper oral hygiene – Sometimes the knowledge of the correct way to take care of your teeth and the proper products is all that is needed to whiten and brighten your smile.
- Avoidance of certain foods or drinks – If it’s determined that a certain food or drink causes excessive staining for you, it’s best to avoid that particular item.
- Take-home whitening products – these are fairly inexpensive and will whiten your teeth very effectively. They give you the ability to do the whitening yourself, in your own timeframe. They also place the responsibility for doing it fully on you, as the trays need to be worn consistently for at least a week or two, for excellent results.
- In-office whitening products – In-office whitening systems, like ZOOM! tooth whitening, are highly effective, fast and relatively inexpensive. You’ll have great results in about an hour.
- Bonding and veneers – If the staining or discoloration you have is beyond the surface of the tooth and very difficult to treat, Dr. Paez may recommend that you opt for dental resin bonding or place porcelain veneers over those teeth to obtain a bright, white smile.
Are There Any Side Effects with Tooth Discoloration Treatments?
Tooth discoloration treatments are safe and effective at whitening the teeth. However, they can come with several common side effects that patients should be aware of. Although these side effects tend to disappear on their own several days after recovery, it’s important to monitor the progress of your tooth discoloration treatment and be on the lookout for any complications.
When using the following tooth discoloration treatments, you may experience these side effects:
- Increased tooth sensitivity to extremely hot or extremely cold foods and drinks
- Gum irritation
- Soreness of the mouth
- Enamel damage
- Uneven discoloration
- Swelling of the lips or gums
- Allergic reactions
While side effects such as tooth sensitivity are very common, other side effects like allergic reactions are rarer. At Nevada Dental Esthetics, Dr. Jorge Paez draws from years of dental expertise to provide patients with effective tooth discoloration treatment that minimizes the risk of complications. Under his care, patients can feel confident knowing their comfort and safety are a priority, and that if any complications occur, they can seek out Dr. Paez for treatment immediately.
What Kind of Injuries or Trauma Can Cause Tooth Discoloration?
Any accidents that cause injury to the mouth or teeth can be referred to as “dental trauma.” Dental trauma may involve damage that affects the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue. These injuries are often unexpected and accidental and will occur during falls, sports, car accidents, or physical activities.
Some dental trauma incidents may impact the tooth’s color, causing the tooth to appear yellowed or stained. Other types of common dental injuries include tooth chips, fractures, dislodged teeth, missing teeth, and root fractures.
The best way to prevent tooth discoloration due to trauma is to always take the appropriate safety precautions when it comes to the activity you are doing. For example, if you are a sports player, ensure that you are wearing a proper mouth guard and helmet to protect yourself from potential dental trauma. If you experience an injury that affects your teeth, you should seek treatment at Nevada Dental Esthetics as soon as possible.
Can I Prevent Tooth Discoloration At Home?
There are some instances in which tooth discoloration is not completely preventable, such as accidental trauma or underlying health conditions. However, there are several ways you can prevent your teeth from becoming more stained or yellowed. To reduce the risk of everyday tooth discoloration, do the following:
- Quit smoking.
- Limit dark-colored foods and beverages.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth twice a day.
- Use ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
- Keep up with your regular dental exams.
Why Are Older Adults More Susceptible to Tooth Staining?
As you get older, your teeth will yellow naturally. Even if you are consistent with avoiding tooth-staining foods and taking excellent care of your oral health, your teeth will still turn yellow with age. This is because the tooth’s outermost layer, the enamel, will thin due to wear and tear. In addition to keeping up with proper hygiene and regular dental cleanings, professional tooth discoloration treatments can help restore a bright, white color to your teeth.
What Happens If I Leave Tooth Discoloration Untreated?
While leaving your discolored teeth untreated is not an urgent dental problem, tooth discoloration may be a sign of a more serious health issue. In severe cases, tooth discoloration may be a sign of celiac disease, liver disease, calcium deficiency, or metabolic diseases.
Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Discoloration Treatment Today
If you live in the Las Vegas area and are interested in tooth whitening, please call 702-737-3553 or email us today for a free consultation. At Nevada Dental Esthetics, some of our happiest patients are those who have received teeth whitening treatment for discolored or stained teeth.