Tooth discoloration is a common dental issue that affects people of all ages. It manifests as a change in the natural color of the teeth, often appearing as yellow, brown, or gray stains. This condition can be caused by various factors, including dietary habits, smoking, poor dental hygiene, certain medications, and aging. While tooth discoloration is usually not harmful to dental health, it often raises significant concerns regarding aesthetics. Many individuals seek treatment to restore their teeth to a whiter, more attractive appearance, highlighting the importance placed on having a bright, confident smile.

Understanding Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is a normal occurrence and can be classified into two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic stains are internal and occur within the tooth. These stains are often more challenging to remove because they affect the dentin (the inner structure of the tooth) and are usually the result of excessive fluoride use, particularly in children. Common causes of intrinsic stains include aging, where our enamel thins exposing the yellow dentin underneath, medications, and trauma, such as an injury to the tooth. 

Extrinsic stains are external and occur on the surface of the tooth. These stains are usually easier to treat and are caused by stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, that accumulate in the protein film that covers the tooth enamel. This type of stain generally responds well to regular dental cleanings and tooth whitening. Common causes of extrinsic stains include smoking, drinking tea or coffee, and consuming dark or colored foods and drinks.

Understanding the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic stains helps in determining the appropriate treatment for tooth discoloration.

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

As previously mentioned, teeth stains have numerous causes. Certain foods and drinks can lead to stains, while tooth discoloration can result from various biological factors, including the transparency of your tooth enamel.

Some tooth discoloration is potentially preventable, and others are beyond your control. This comprehensive list can help identify the cause of discolored teeth and, in many cases, provide ways to prevent further discoloration.

1. Common Dietary Causes

Coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, and even a few fruits and vegetables are proven causes of discolored teeth. While you may not be able to (or want to) avoid them altogether, moderating your intake or following the tips we share later, can limit their effect on your teeth. Some other foods to watch out for include:

• Sugary foods and drinks: We all love to indulge occasionally with our favorite sweet treat, but consuming high amounts of sugary foods and drinks without proper oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup and staining.
  
• Acidic foods: Acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to stains from other sources. While your mind may automatically go to foods, such as citrus and vinegar, there are some surprising foods that are actually quite acidic. Foods such as tomato sauce, juice, soda, and many fruits all have an acidic reaction with your teeth. 

2.  Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices significantly contribute to tooth discoloration. Among the most impactful are smoking and poor oral hygiene.

• Smoking: A byproduct of tobacco smoke, tar is dark and sticky, easily adhering to tooth enamel and causing brown or black stains. Although colorless, nicotine turns yellow when it comes into contact with oxygen, leading to yellow stains on teeth. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease, which can cause gums to recede and expose the yellowish dentin beneath the enamel.
  
• Poor oral hygiene: Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque builds up on teeth and hardens into tartar, which can appear yellow or brown. Residual food particles left on teeth can decompose, leading to staining and bad breath.

3. Medical and Environmental Causes

Several less common but significant factors can contribute to tooth discoloration, including certain medications, diseases, and excessive fluoride.

• Medications: Tetracycline and its derivatives can cause intrinsic staining if taken during tooth development (pregnancy or early childhood), while some antihistamines can contribute to staining due to their chemical composition and impact on the oral environment.
  
• Diseases: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects nutrient absorption in the small intestine, which can impact dental development and cause staining. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cell production and can lead to changes in tooth coloration.
  
• Excessive fluoride: Overexposure to fluoride during the development of teeth, often from excessive use of fluoride toothpaste, supplements, or drinking water with high fluoride levels can cause white streaks or spots on the teeth, and in severe cases, brown discoloration and pitting.

Understanding these common causes can help in diagnosing and managing tooth discoloration more effectively. For many of these issues, professional dental consultation and treatment may be necessary to address and mitigate their impact on tooth color.

What You Can Do About It

Although deep dental stains from trauma, medications, or health conditions can’t always be prevented, you can minimize everyday surface discoloration by following these steps:

• Brush regularly: Clean your teeth two to three times a day with a soft-bristled brush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
  
• Floss daily: Use dental floss once a day, to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
  
• Limit staining foods and drinks: Reduce consumption of items like, tea, coffee, cola, and red wine that can cause surface stains.
  
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth after consuming beverages that might stain your teeth.
  
• Avoid smoking: Quitting tobacco products helps prevent discoloration caused by tar and nicotine.
  
• Routine dental visits: Schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist to maintain oral health and address any staining issues early.
  
• Invest in professional teeth whitening: While it may be tempting to pick up a tooth whitening kit at the store, your dentist can provide you with a superior treatment that will work faster, last longer, and avoid irritating your gums.

Compass Dental can help you regain your bright smile. 

Sometimes we can do all the right things and still end up with a smile not as bright or white as we would like. That is when we would advise you to speak to your dentist about your options. At Compass Dental, we offer a take-home whitening kit that has all the benefits of professional whitening but can be done in the comfort of your own home. 

If your tooth staining is the result of intrinsic staining, we can explore options, such as dental bonding, veneers, and crowns. No matter your situation, we can help you restore your smile. Get started on your journey back to the smile you deserve by booking a consultation with the friendly team at Compass Dental.