Environmental discolouration of teeth

Discolouration and Disorders of Tooth Eruption and Number

• Discolouration of teeth can be extrinsic or intrinsic, caused by factors such as bacterial, iron, tobacco, beverages, medications, and restorative materials.
• Extrinsic discolouration can be internalized or external, caused by factors such as developmental defects, tooth wear, dental caries, restorative materials, and chromogenic bacteria.
• Non-metallic and metallic stains can cause external discolouration, with examples including dietary components, beverages, tobacco, mouthwashes, and exposure to metallic salts.
• Chromogenic bacteria such as Prevotella nigrescnes and Prevotella intermedia can cause black extrinsic stains on the smooth surfaces of teeth.
• Tobacco use can cause dark brown-black stains on the cervical margins of teeth, promoting plaque accumulation.
• Foods and beverages with high levels of tannic acid, such as wine, coffee, tea, and curry, can interact with bacteria and plaque to cause staining.
• Ankylosis and impaction are disorders of tooth eruption, caused by factors such as local or systemic issues, periapical infections, previous dental procedures, or trauma.
• Hypodontia, or missing teeth, can be genetic or associated with syndromes and is more common in females, with third molars, 2nd premolars, and laterals being most affected.
• Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of syndromes characterized by abnormalities in the ectodermal structures, including teeth with abnormal anatomy or absence.
• Anadontia vera is a rare genetic disorder where all primary and permanent teeth are missing.
• The management of discolouration involves proper oral hygiene habits, dietary assessment, and cessation of the causative agents.
• The management of disorders of eruption and number varies depending on the moment of dentition, with extractions performed when necessary to allow normal eruption and better alignment of teeth.