Frequently Asked Questions

Tooth Whitening

Date Posted: 7/12/2005

Question
What are the likely causes of tooth discolouration?

Answer
Surface stains (also known as extrinsic stains) are superficial stains located on the surface of the tooth. Common surface stains are dental plaque and calculus, tars (in tobacco), tannins (in tea or coffee), coloured foods such as soy sauce, cola drinks, and the ingredients in some dental mouthrinses when these rinses are used very often.

Internal stains (also known as intrinsic stains) are coloured molecules and pigments that have become incorporated into the internal structure of the tooth. This can occur as the tooth is developing, or after the tooth has been present in the mouth. Some fifty conditions have been associated with changes to tooth structure as it forms.

Examples of these developmental discolourations include:
• Severe illnesses and fevers in childhood
• Antibiotics such as tetracyclines taken in childhood
• Uncommon genetic conditions where there is a pattern of inheritance
• Medical conditions affecting the blood system or liver in childhood
• Excessive levels of fluoride intake in early childhood because of swallowing toothpaste, which can result in areas of whiteness (opacity).

Conditions which can lead to internal colour changes in teeth that have already erupted in the mouth include:
• Advancing age, which leads to greater yellow colouration of teeth
• Corrosion products from amalgam restorations, which can give grey stains
• Tooth decay
• Problems with the dental pulp (“nerve”), after decay, root canal work, or damage to the tooth in an injury.

More questions in this category:

Should teeth be white?
Which dentist can bleach my teeth?
What are the likely causes of tooth discolouration?
Why is it important to know the likely causes of tooth discolouration?
How are surface stains treated?
What are “conventional” whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
What is tooth lightening?
How are internal stains treated?
Are there issues with oxygen-based bleaching methods?
Are peroxides safe to use?
What are advanced formula whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
Paint-on whitening treatments
Adhesive strips
“Home tray vital bleaching”
“Power bleaching”
How effective is home bleaching in whitening the teeth?
Is home bleaching safe?
What is home bleaching?
Are bleaching toothpastes very effective?
How long does the bleaching last?

The ADA and the Local Organising Committee invite all associated with dentistry to participate in the Australian Dental Congress and Exhibition in Perth.

Mark the dates in your diaries 12-15 March 2009

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