Tooth - abnormal colors
Key points
- Abnormal tooth color is anything other than the white to yellowish-white of normal teeth.
- Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different factors.
- Good oral hygiene will help if the teeth are staining from a food or fluid, or if the abnormal color is the result of poor hygiene.
- The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Alternative names
Discolored teeth; Tooth discoloration; Tooth pigmentation
Definition
Abnormal tooth color is anything other than the white to yellowish-white of normal teeth.
Considerations
Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different factors. Some influence the formation of the enamel, while others cause the staining of enamel. Discoloration may be uniform or may appear as spots or lines in the enamel. Discolored areas may also have a different density and porosity than normal enamel.
Factors influencing tooth color include genetic, congenital, metabolic, chemical, infectious and environmental. Inherited diseases may influence the thickness of enamel or the calcium or protein content of the enamel. Metabolic diseases may cause both abnormalities of color and shape.
Drugs and medications either taken by the mother while pregnant or by the child during the time of tooth development can cause changes in both the color and hardness of the enamel.
Common Causes
- High fever at an age when tooth formation is taking place
- Poor dental hygiene; poor care and cleanliness of the mouth and teeth
- The antibiotic tetracycline given before the age of 8 years
- Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (natural high water fluoride levels) or from excessive administration (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth)
- Severe neonatal jaundice caused by poor liver function as a newborn
- Porphyria, a disease characterized by an excessive production of pigmentation in the body
- Amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta, genetic defects which affect the enamel of both primary and permanent dentition
- Eating or drinking foods (or fluids) that temporarily stain the teeth, like tea or coffee
Home Care
Good oral hygiene will help if the teeth are staining from a food or fluid, or if the abnormal color is the result of poor hygiene.
It is appropriate to consult your dentist for abnormally colored teeth. However, if the color seems to be related to a medical condition, your regular health care provider should also be consulted.
Call your health care provider if
- the teeth appear to be an abnormal color without ready explanation.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.