Dark Spots on Teeth Aren't Caused by Poor Hygiene: Understanding and Removing Pristley Stains

Most likely, only a dental professional can help effectively.

What Are Pristley Stains?

Pristley stains appear as small spots or streaks on teeth. They can range in color from brown to dark green or black and usually develop near the gum line.

Statistics indicate that 1% to 20% of people experience this condition, with children being the most commonly affected group.

The term "Pristley stains" is primarily used by dentists in Russia. Internationally, this term is considered outdated; these discolorations are generally referred to as "black stains" to distinguish them from typical "white" plaque.

What Causes Pristley Stains?

The main cause of these enamel spots is anaerobic chromogenic bacteria, such as species from the Capnocytophaga, Leptotrichia, Fusobacterium, Corynebacterium, and Streptococcus genera.

These bacteria are harmless and naturally reside in everyone's mouth. However, when their numbers increase significantly, they produce large amounts of hydrogen. If the saliva contains elevated iron levels, a chemical reaction occurs between hydrogen and iron. This reaction forms insoluble iron salts that deposit as dark stains on the teeth.

Several factors may lead to increased iron levels in saliva. Although research is ongoing, possible causes include:

• A diet rich in dairy products, vegetables, eggs, and other iron-containing foods.
• High iron content in drinking water.
• Use of iron-containing dietary supplements, which might raise saliva iron levels. While no definitive link has been established between supplements and dark enamel stains, it’s a possibility to consider.
• Gum bleeding, which releases extra iron from red blood cells into the saliva.
• Age-related digestive system and oral bacterial composition changes, especially in children.

Are Pristley Stains Harmful?

Generally, no. In fact, some studies suggest that these stains may reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Dentists view Pristley stains as a mild condition that does not negatively impact dental health.

However, the pigmented stains have a rough texture that can trap food particles, sometimes leading to bad breath.

How to Remove Pristley Stains

Accept that removing these stains at home is unlikely. Toothbrushes and even abrasive toothpaste cannot effectively eliminate insoluble iron salts, calcium, and phosphorus deposits that make up these stains.

The most reliable method is professional dental cleaning. This procedure might need to be repeated every 2 to 3 months, as the stains often reappear.

If no new insoluble salts form on the teeth, it indicates a decrease in saliva iron levels or a normalization of the oral bacterial environment. In children, this often happens naturally with age.

Preventing Pristley Stains

First, address any gum bleeding by consulting a dentist.

Adjusting your diet can also help: temporarily reduce intake of iron-rich foods, switch to water with a different mineral composition, and avoid iron-containing supplements.

Keep in mind, these measures may not guarantee prevention. Researchers have yet to fully understand why oral bacterial composition changes and saliva iron levels increase. There may be unknown factors contributing to the development of Pristley stains.

Explore useful articles in Healthy Lifestyle & Wellness as of 07-06-2024. The article titled " Dark Spots on Teeth Aren't Caused by Poor Hygiene: Understanding and Removing Pristley Stains " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Healthy Lifestyle & Wellness field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Dark Spots on Teeth Aren't Caused by Poor Hygiene: Understanding and Removing Pristley Stains " article expands your knowledge in Healthy Lifestyle & Wellness, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.