With plenty of Brits admitting that they sometimes fail to follow good oral hygiene, tooth discolouration is one common dental aesthetic problem. Excessive sugar consumption, which is also rampant in the country, can darken or stain pearly whites. This is also common for those who regularly smoke and those who drink coffee, tea, alcohol and other fizzy beverages.

1. Smylife
http://www.smylife.co.uk
Bright Smile No More:
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Tooth
Discolouration

2. With plenty of Brits admitting that they sometimes fail to follow good oral hygiene, tooth
discolouration is one common dental aesthetic problem. Excessive sugar consumption,
which is also rampant in the country, can darken or stain pearly whites. This is also
common for those who regularly smoke and those who drink coffee, tea, alcohol and
other fizzy beverages.
The stains on the surface of the tooth and the changes inside the tooth can cause
discolouration. The whitening solution may also depend on the type of teeth stains.

3. External Stains
Extrinsic discolouration occurs on the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. Coffee, tea,
wine and soda can cause extrinsic discolouration when consumed frequently over a long
period. Food and drinks of extremely high or low temperature can change the tooth’s
original colour. This is because extreme temperatures allow stain agents to attack the
tooth’s surface.
Smoking can significantly alter the colour of the teeth. Heavy smokers, according to the
British Dental Health Foundation, complain of browning of teeth after years of smoking.
Chewing tobacco is said to have more devastating repercussions, with the habit staining
both the teeth and the tongue. It can also increase the risk of tooth decay, contribute
to gum recession and even a dull sense of taste and smell.

4. Sources:
 http://www.smylife.co.uk/
 http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-
whitening/article/tooth-discoloration
 https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/smoking-and-oral-
health
Internal Stains
Intrinsic discolouration happens when the inner structure of the teeth is greatly
affected. This may be due to excessive fluoride exposure in younger years or the use
of specific antibiotics during pregnancy. Studies suggest that antibiotics like
tetracycline and certain medication for hypertension may cause internal stains.
Dental trauma that leads in broken or chipped teeth may also cause intrinsic
discolouration, mainly because of the enamel damage or a dead nerve. Internal
discolouration may also happen if the tooth is not capped after major dental
procedure, like root canal. Amalgam tooth filling may also cause the tooth to have
some greyish tint.
The good news is, it is possible to prevent some tooth stains with regular brushing and
rinsing the mouth with water after consuming darkening foods or drinks. Whitening
toothpastes may also help remove certain stains, but they are ineffective in severe
discolouration. A tooth whitening option administered by a dentist is usually the best
way to brighten the pearly whites.