WHAT CAUSES STAINED AND DISCOLORED TEETH IN CHILDREN?
External tooth surface discoloration can be caused by either direct or indirect staining. These external stains can usually be removed by a dental cleaning. • Direct external staining is caused by organic compounds in food and drink which are incorporated into the tooth pellicle (tooth film) An example of direct staining is the coffee stain. • Indirect external staining is associated with cationic antiseptics ( such as chlorhexidine) and metal salts (such as iron). • Non-metallic indirect stains can be caused by quarternary ammonium compounds such as chlorhexidine rinses. • Metallic indirect stains can be caused by metallic salts, such as iron supplements. Factors known to cause intrinsic discoloration include: metabolic disorders, systemic syndromes, dentin defects, tetracycline stains, fluorosis, trauma, and enamel hypoplasia. The following list eumerates various causes of dental stains: • Alkaptonuria causes a brown discoloration of the teeth. • Congenital erythropoietic porphyria c
