Having a great smile is a confidence booster. Clean white teeth often equal a great smile. Green and stained teeth do not. If you have stain problems, here are some things to know and to do.
What Causes Green Tooth and Other Tooth Discoloration?
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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
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Types of Teeth Stains
Believe it or not, people really can have teeth discoloration, even green teeth. Health issues or lifestyle choices can cause stains.
Extrinsic Stains
These are stains that are on the surface of your teeth. They are a result of what goes into your mouth.
- Red wine, black and green tea, or dark-colored foods
- Prescription mouthrinses used to treat gum disease can leave a dark residue on teeth
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
Your oral hygiene habits will have a big impact on the severity of staining. It’s important to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, after meals if possible. Keep up with regular professional dental hygiene appointments. If you want even whiter teeth, talk to your dental professional about whitening treatments.
Intrinsic Stains
This type of discoloration comes from the inside of your tooth. These are some of the things that may cause intrinsic stains.
- Antibiotics such as tetracycline and liquid amoxicillin
- Trauma to the tooth
- Fluorosis, which is caused by ingesting too much fluoride during a child’s teeth forming years
- Dead tooth happens when a tooth becomes injured and can’t repair itself
- According to Cleveland Clinic, aging can affect the color of your teeth
- The Cleveland Clinic also notes that radiation and chemotherapy can cause discolored teeth
Intrinsic types of stains are often grayish. Neither good oral hygiene nor professional polishings will remove intrinsic stains.
Green Tooth
Green tooth is a less common type of intrinsic stain that affects infants. Babies who have jaundice may develop green pigmentation on their baby teeth. According to Allied Academies, this prenatal development type is rare – only about 50 cases a year. The baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth that are not green.
Teeth and gums that appear green in adults can be caused by a build-up of stains, bacteria, and fungi. This is extrinsic and caused by poor oral care. Improving your daily routine and having professional teeth cleanings can remove these types of green stains.
If you want a great smile, make sure your teeth are as white as they can be. Stains and green teeth are often caused by lifestyle choices and sometimes are due to health issues or medications. Knowing what is causing your enamel discoloration is half the battle. To clean up your smile, improve your oral health regimen, and talk with your dental professional.
