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The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting abnormal tooth color in detail may include the following:
- Time pattern
- Have the teeth been abnormally colored since they erupted, or did they change color over time?
- When was this first noticed?
- How long has it been present?
- Is the abnormal color temporary or permanent?
- Does it improve when good oral hygiene is maintained?
- Quality
- What is the discoloration (what color)?
- What is the pattern of the discoloration (uniformly discolored, or spots or lines)?
- Dietary history
- What is the diet like?
- What foods and drinks are consumed frequently?
- Does the person drink coffee or tea?
- How much milk and dairy products are consumed?
- Medication history
- What medications are being taken?
- What medications have been taken in the past (particularly, did the child ever take tetracycline)?
- What medications did the mother take when pregnant?
- Health history and family history
- Do other members of the family have teeth that are abnormally colored?
- How has the general health been?
- Was the child jaundiced as a baby?
- Fluoride exposure
- Is the water fluoridated where the person lives or visits frequently?
- Is a fluoride supplement being taken?
- Oral hygiene habits
- Are there frequent problems with the teeth, such as cavities or gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)?
- What are the dental habits?
- How often are the teeth brushed and flossed?
- What kind of toothpaste, mouthwash, or similar substances are used?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic testing may not be necessary in many cases. However, if the coloration may be related to a medical condition, testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Dental X-rays may be performed.
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