There are plenty of qualities we share from our parents—from the color of our eyes, the shape of our nose, to the way we smile. But did you know tooth discoloration could also be passed down to you? Even if you brush and floss daily, have you noticed if you seem to always have stained teeth? Keep reading to learn how this condition can be genetic and several ways your dentist can help with cosmetic dental treatments!
Can Tooth Discoloration Be Hereditary?
Nearly everyone wants to be able to show off a bright smile, which can boost our confidence and mental health. For some people, however, stubborn teeth stains can be a constant burden, making them feel embarrassed or frustrated. And while keeping a proper dental hygiene usually helps whiten smiles, discoloration can also be due to genetics. In this case, it’ll be much more difficult to remove stains with everyday cleaning habits.
What Are the Causes of Genetic Tooth Discoloration?
There are generally two different genetic circumstances that can cause hereditary tooth discoloration:
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta: This is an inherited condition that causes grayish or transparent tooth enamel as well as weakened teeth. It can impact both baby teeth and permanent, mature teeth.
- Amelogenesis imperfecta: This is a genetic mutation that leads to yellow-brown tooth stains and fragile enamel. The surface of the teeth is more susceptible to pitting or grooving, and the condition can increase the risks of tooth decay and damage.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help?
Even if your tooth discoloration is hereditary, there are still ways you can address the issue. Cosmetic dentistry is a collection of procedures that are designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. With several methods available, you can choose from simply brightening your teeth through whitening treatment to completely reshaping your pearly whites with veneers. The more complex options can also help treat certain imperfections, such as repairing minor chips and cracks, or even protecting the enamel with durable porcelain material.
Though stained teeth may sometimes be genetic, you can always improve the look and condition of your smile with cosmetic dental work. Speak with your dentist if you want to address any concerns, and they’ll be glad to discuss your options!
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, we are always happy to help patients achieve the smile they deserve. By staying on top of the latest technology and techniques, we can provide outstanding and comprehensive dental care with the utmost comfort. Among our collection of advanced treatments, we also offer teeth whitening, direct bonding, and veneers to beautify your pearly whites. If you want to know more about genetic tooth discoloration or are interested in cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call us at 516-346-5655.