The stains on the teeth represent one of the main aesthetic enemies of the smile; they are formed when colored substances of various kinds are fixed in the superficial layers of the enamel or accumulate more deeply, up to the dentin.
Stains on the teeth: causes
Black spots
They are often caused by cariogenic processes at an advanced stage, favored by incorrect oral hygiene and habitual consumption of substances that are too acidic (citrus juices, wine, carbonated drinks, tablets of certain drugs or supplements - such as aspirin and vitamin C - chewed instead of swallowed ....) and / or too sweet (cakes, chocolates, candies, honey, sugar, snack sweet jams ...). Another less common cause of black teeth is drug abuse, in particular methamphetamines or marijuana smoke (the spots, ranging from brown to black, appear as dark rings that surround the teeth near the gums) . The presence of well-marked dark gray spots may be due to the particular chemical composition of the amalgams used until a few years ago for dental restorations.
Blue-gray stains
The intake of particular antibiotics (tetracycline) during fetal life (through the mother), in the neonatal period and in early infancy, can cause rather unpleasant dental dyschromia, leading to the formation of spots ranging from gray-blue to black, from yellow to brown. In adults, antibiotic dyschromias can occur in the event of prolonged use and / or high doses of minocycline, a tetracycline used in the treatment of acne and rheumatoid arthritis: the higher the dose, the longer the therapy, as much the stains are more tenacious and evident. Gray stains on the tooth can also be the result of hemorrhagic processes caused by trauma or dental procedures.
Brown spots
Chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes - recommended in the presence of chronic gingivitis, very aggressive carious diseases or important periodontium problems - are very often associated with the presence of brown spots on the teeth and tongue. This requires a thoughtful use of the mouthwash: no more than twice a day for periods of two or three weeks, and only on prescription from the dentist.
Blue-green or metallic stains
This problem can affect those who work closely with metals, for example in the chemical industry, frequently exposing themselves to substances such as iron, silver and manganese (black teeth), mercury, copper, nickel and lead dust (blue-green spots), inhalation of fumes such as chromic acid (intense orange stains), or chlorine of swimming pools (brown teeth).
Yellow or brown spots
They are common in heavy smokers and those who are used to chewing tobacco (brown-yellow or black spots) or consume a lot of coffee, tea, licorice and caffeinated and caramel-containing drinks. In addition, teeth can turn yellow due to the natural aging process. Even the cariogenic processes in the initial stage occur in the form of yellow-opaque spots. Finally, a common cause of yellow teeth is the lack of oral hygiene: we must not forget that the color of teeth is genetically influenced and depends above all on the thickness of the enamel (translucent white color) and the underlying dentin.
Spots associated with jagged appearance
The excess of fluorine (fluorosis) can cause tooth stains varying from gray white to brown and black, depending on the severity of the intoxication. In children under the age of 8, tooth discoloration due to fluorosis is also associated with demineralized and dented teeth, common also to those who consume excess acidic foods or frequently grind their teeth (bruxism).
Stains on the teeth: remedies
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