What are the symptoms of Tooth Discoloration ?
Intrinsic causes are usually seen at the time of teeth eruption. In hereditary conditions like erythroblastosisfetalis and porphyria the teeth are colored in a brownish blue and a brownish red respectively.
Tetracycline administration during pregnancy can lead to discoloration of teeth as the tooth erupts in the newborn. Depending on the severity, discoloration can range from yellow -orange in mild cases and bluish gray in the most severe cases.
Flurosis is a condition seen in places with increased fluoride content in the drinking water. Beyond a certain level, fluoride can cause yellow staining of teeth.
High fever due to childhood infections can lead to areas of poor calcification within the teeth resulting in the appearance of prominent white spots.
Brown stains: It is caused by a thin translucent, bacteria free layer covering the teeth. It is seen in individuals who do not brush their teeth adequately, or in those who use toothpaste with inadequate action.
Tobacco stains: Dark brown or black surface accompanied by brown discoloration of the tooth substance is seen. These stains results from coal tar combustion present in the tobacco and also due to the diffusion of tobacco juices into the substance of the teeth.
Green stains: Green to greenish yellow stains, sometimes of considerable thickness is seen in children. It is usually seen in upper anterior teeth and has been attributed to florescent bacteria and fungi.
Orange stains : Occurs in front teeth, and is caused by color producing bacteria.
Metallic stains: Caused by metals and metallic salts, which may be introduced into the oral cavity by metal-containing dust inhaled by industrial workers. Examples of stains caused by various metals are:
