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Abnormal
tooth color is anything other than the white to yellowish-white
of normal teeth.  |
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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. |
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Factors influencing tooth color include genetic, congenital (existing
at birth), infectious, and environmental. Inherited diseases may
influence the thickness of enamel or the calcium or protein content
of the enamel. Metabolic diseases (diseases caused by malfunctions
in body processes), may cause both abnormalities of color and shape.
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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. |
1)High
fever at an age when tooth formation is taking place
2)Poor oral hygiene ; poor care and cleanliness of the mouth and
teeth
3) The antibiotic tetracycline given before the age of 8 years
4)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)
5)Severe neonatal jaundice caused by poor liver function as a newborn
Porphyria , a disease characterized by an excessive production of
pigmentation in the body
6)Dentinogenesis and amelogenesis imperfecta , genetic defects which
affect the enamel of both primary and permanent dentition
7)Eating or drinking foods (or fluids) that temporarily stain the
teeth, like tea or coffee . |
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