Examples of intrinsic stains include fluorosis, tetracycline stain, and pulpitis. It may be reduced by whitening to some degree, but will not disappear easily. This type of stain cannot be removed by scaling and/or polishing. Intrinsic stain: located within the tooth.Is the stain outside or inside the tooth structure? There are two definitions related to “where” the stain is located. Intrinsic vs Extrinsic: Where Is the Stain Located? Pulpal necrosis, and its dark discoloration, is also considered a type of exogenous stain, if occurred after the tooth is completely formed and erupted.
Exogenous stain: occurred after tooth eruptionĭietary pigments from foods and beverages are one of the most common causes of teeth staining.Tetracycline stain is also considered endogenous because the antibiotic consumed by the mother influenced the tooth development of the fetus. Depending on the severity, affected teeth can have white/brown spots, milky opalescence, pitting, and also mottling. Endogenous stain: occurred during tooth developmentįluorosis is considered an endogenous stain because the fluoride mineral affected the teeth while they were forming.Now let’s expand on the topic of teeth discoloration by reviewing some definitions.Įxogenous vs Endogenous: When Did Staining Occur?ĭid the discoloration occur during or after tooth development? There are two definitions related to “when” the staining occurred. If you memorize this, you are ahead of the game. Grey: pulp necrosis, amalgam restorationįigure caption: A - Betel leaf, B.Black: iron/silver/manganese chemicals, betel leaves.Brown: chlorhexidine, tobacco, food (e.g., red wine, tea, coffee), stannous fluoride.Brown spot: potential carious lesions, fluorosis.Blue: dentinogenesis imperfecta, dentin dysplasia.Green: Nasmyth’s membrane (thin tissue on newly erupted teeth), copper/nickel chemicals.Orange-red: chromogenic bacteria, chromic acid/copper chemicals.