Tooth discoloration is a cosmetic issue that many of our patients experience. Brushing your teeth and scheduling regular dental cleanings can help prevent discoloration. However, over time is it likely that your teeth will dull and yellow for one reason or another. When this happens, Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help you restore your smile.
Understanding Tooth Discoloration
Many people notice their teeth turning yellow, brown, or even gray, making them self-conscious about their smiles. Tooth discoloration happens for different reasons, including diet, lifestyle habits, aging, and certain medical conditions.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
There are three main types of tooth discoloration:
- Extrinsic Stains – These stains affect the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel. They usually come from foods, drinks, or smoking.
- Intrinsic Stains – These stains develop inside the tooth and can be caused by medications, injuries, or genetics.
- Age-Related Stains – As people age, their enamel naturally wears down, making the inner part of the tooth, called dentin, more visible. Dentin is naturally yellow, which can make teeth look discolored.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Many things can discolor your teeth. Your discoloration can be from one instance or a combination of things.
1. Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks contain strong pigments that can stain teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are some of the biggest culprits. These drinks contain tannins and chromogens, which stick to tooth enamel and cause stains over time. Acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes, can also weaken enamel, making it easier for stains to form.
2. Tobacco Use
Smoking and chewing tobacco are major causes of tooth discoloration. Tobacco contains nicotine and tar, which leave yellow or brown stains on the surface of the teeth. Over time, these stains become harder to remove, leading to permanent discoloration.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can turn yellow if not removed. Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can make teeth look dull and discolored. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help prevent stains caused by plaque buildup.
4. Aging
As people age, their tooth enamel naturally wears down from years of chewing and acid exposure. This makes the dentin underneath more visible, causing teeth to appear yellow or gray. Since enamel cannot grow back, age-related discoloration is a normal part of life.
5. Medications
Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration, especially when taken young. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can stain teeth if used by children while their teeth are still developing. Some antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy treatments can also cause discoloration in adults.
6. Fluoride Overexposure
Fluoride is good for teeth because it helps prevent cavities, but too much fluoride during childhood can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis causes white or brown spots on the teeth, making them look unevenly colored. This usually happens when children swallow too much fluoride toothpaste or drink water with high fluoride levels.
7. Trauma or Injury
A blow to the mouth or an accident that damages a tooth can lead to discoloration. When a tooth is injured, the nerve inside may die, causing the tooth to turn gray or brown. This discoloration often affects only one tooth and may require treatment to restore its natural color.
8. Genetics
Some people naturally have whiter or darker teeth due to their genetics. The thickness and shade of enamel vary from person to person. A person’s parents may inherit the same trait if they have naturally darker or more yellow-toned teeth.
Tooth Discoloration Solutions
Our office offers teeth whitening treatments to help our patients with tooth discoloration. Through these treatments, a bleaching gel is applied to your teeth to remove any accumulated stains or discoloration. For patients interested in maintaining a consistently whiter smile, multiple whitening treatments are an option as well. We can also advise patients on their overall oral hygiene habits and offer suggestions on how to best avoid tooth discoloration over time.
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Tooth discoloration is something almost everyone will experience at some point. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Are some people more prone to tooth discoloration than others?
Yes, genetics can play a role in how easily teeth become discolored. Some people naturally have thinner enamel, making their teeth more susceptible to staining. Due to their genetic makeup, others may have naturally darker or more yellow-toned teeth. While genetics cannot be changed, good oral care and professional treatments can help keep teeth looking bright.
Can drinking more water prevent tooth discoloration?
Drinking water helps wash away food particles, acids, and bacteria that cause stains. Water also dilutes staining substances from coffee, tea, and wine. Staying hydrated encourages saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth. Drinking water regularly can help keep teeth whiter and healthier.
How long does it take for teeth to become discolored?
The speed of tooth discoloration depends on factors like diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Drinking coffee or smoking daily can cause noticeable stains within months. Poor oral care can lead to plaque buildup and yellowing over time. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can slow discoloration and keep teeth looking whiter.
Can tooth discoloration be a sign of an underlying health problem?
Yes, tooth discoloration can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. Certain medical conditions, like liver disease, can cause teeth to turn yellow, while kidney disease may cause a grayish tint. If discoloration is sudden or severe, it’s important to consult a dentist to rule out any health concerns.
Why are some stains more difficult to remove than others?
Some stains are harder to remove because they penetrate the enamel or dentin more deeply. Intrinsic stains from medication, injury, or aging are particularly difficult to treat with surface-level whitening methods. To remove these deeper stains, professional treatments like whitening, veneers, or crowns may be needed.
Does drinking hot drinks cause tooth discoloration?
Hot drinks, like coffee and tea, can contribute to tooth discoloration, but temperature alone isn’t the cause. It’s the pigments and acids in these drinks that can stain teeth. The heat can also soften enamel, making teeth more prone to absorbing stains. Drinking hot beverages in moderation and rinsing with water afterward can help reduce staining.