Although seemingly everyone wishes they had a flawless, bright smile, very few people come by them honestly. Even perfectly healthy teeth are naturally more ivory than snowy white, but if your teeth have stubborn stains or blemishes you can’t seem to brush away, you might feel so self-conscious that you try to remain tight-lipped.
But if you noticed that several family members have also developed dental discoloration, you might wonder whether this condition can be inherited. Continue reading to learn more about it and how your dentist can help you lighten your grin!
What Causes Tooth Stains?
Would you be surprised to learn that there are different types of dental discoloration? For example, intrinsic stains are the most common and typically develop after repeated or frequent exposure to darkly toned foods, such as coffee, tea, berries, tomatoes, and wine. The pigmented particles cling to your enamel and soak into the microscopic pores there to tint your teeth a muddier shade of yellow or brown.
Meanwhile, intrinsic blemishes can seep into or originate in the lower layer of dentin, and are visible through the translucent outer layer of enamel. This can have several potential causes, such as exposure to certain medications, like Tetracycline and doxycycline, which can affect how enamel develops in childhood. It can also be due to physical trauma or an injured nerve, which can cause the affected tooth to appear more gray or black.
Can Dental Discoloration Be Genetic?
Potentially, anyone can develop extrinsic or intrinsic tooth stains, but unfortunately, some patients may be genetically predisposed to dental discoloration. There are two inherited conditions that can be problematic, which are outlined in more detail below:
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta. This inherited condition causes weak, brittle baby and adult teeth that can appear more gray or blue. It can also result in more rapid wear-and-tear, making them more prone to injuries, disease, and decay.
- Amelogenesis imperfecta. This rare genetic disorder can cause thin, stained, or pitted teeth that can feel rough and often appear more opaque, yellow, or brown.
How Does My Dentist Treat Dental Stains?
Many people feel self-conscious about dental stains, but if you’re unsure of the cause, you might wonder whether your dentist can treat them. Thankfully, most providers offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, or placing porcelain veneers, that can improve the appearance of your smile without harming your oral health.
But before proceeding with any elective services, you must first consult your provider to identify the cause of your discoloration and devise a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs!
About the Practice
Patients at Harris Parkway Dental Care benefit from a dental team that is passionate about helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. They collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including teeth whitening and other cosmetics, using advanced technology to improve patient comfort and deliver accurate results meant to last. If you’re frustrated by dental stains, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (817) 423-2223.