Our clinic will be closed on June 28, 29, 30, and July 1. We will reopen on our regular schedule on Thursday, July 2
Our clinic will be closed on June 28, 29, 30, and July 1. We will reopen on our regular schedule on Thursday, July 2
Teeth can change shade over time because of coffee, tea, tobacco, ageing, dental work, decay, or past injuries. Before considering teeth whitening in Edmonton, AB, it is important to understand where the colour change comes from. Surface stains may respond to cleaning or whitening, while discolouration that begins inside a tooth may require a different approach.
Some gradual darkening is expected with age. Enamel becomes more translucent over time, allowing the naturally yellower dentin underneath to become more visible.
Pigments from certain foods, drinks, and tobacco can also collect on enamel. A slow shade change across several teeth is different from one tooth becoming noticeably darker. New or isolated discolouration deserves attention, particularly when it follows an injury or occurs with pain or sensitivity.
The source of discolouration may be external or within the tooth itself.
External stains develop on enamel and may be associated with:
Professional cleaning can remove some external deposits, while bleaching may lighten suitable stains after the teeth and gums have been assessed.
Internal discolouration can involve enamel or dentin. Possible causes include ageing, fluorosis, developmental changes, certain medications taken while teeth were forming, decay, restorative materials, and changes in the dental pulp.
The appropriate tooth discoloration treatment depends on whether the altered shade comes from surface staining, tooth structure, a restoration, decay, or the pulp.
A tooth that becomes darker than its neighbours should be evaluated. Previous trauma can affect the pulp even when the tooth did not chip or break.
Decay, an older restoration, or changes in pulp vitality can also alter the shade. A clinical examination helps determine whether the difference is cosmetic or related to an underlying dental condition.
Surface staining can often be reduced, although ageing and some internal colour changes are not preventable.
To limit external staining:
An unexplained shade change should be assessed before bleaching, especially when only one tooth is affected, or the change occurs with discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling.
Tooth shade alone cannot distinguish ordinary staining from decay, pulpal changes, or another dental problem.
Arrange an assessment if you notice:
During an assessment with a dentist in Edmonton, AB, the discoloured tooth can be examined, with dental X-rays or pulp testing used when clinically indicated.
Professional whitening may be considered when an examination confirms that bleaching is suitable for the type of discolouration.
Whitening does not treat decay, infection, or pulpal disease. It also does not change the shade of crowns, fillings, veneers, or implants.
When considering cosmetic dentistry for stained teeth, determining whether the discolouration is external, internal, or related to existing dental work helps guide procedure selection. Whitening may also cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some people.
A change in tooth colour does not necessarily mean a tooth is unhealthy. What matters is why the shade has changed and whether other symptoms are present.
New darkening or discolouration accompanied by pain, sensitivity, or swelling should be evaluated before cosmetic treatment is considered. If you notice an unexplained or persistent shade change, Kensington Dental Clinic can assess the cause and discuss options based on the clinical findings.
Brushing removes plaque and some surface stains, but it cannot prevent every age-related or internal colour change.
Yes. Decay may appear white, brown, or dark, but colour alone cannot confirm a cavity.
Trauma, decay, pulp changes, or an existing restoration can alter the shade of one tooth.
Yes. Dentin naturally has a yellow tone, so healthy teeth do not need to appear bright white.
No. Whitening effectiveness varies by stain type, and dental restorations do not bleach like natural teeth.