Tooth Discolouration: What is the cause?

What is causing my tooth discolouration? 

If your teeth don’t look as bright as they once did, you’re not alone. Over time, it’s natural for enamel to lose its sparkle. Everything from the foods and drinks we consume to aging, medications, and even past dental trauma can lead to tooth discolouration. We break down what causes tooth discolouration and what you can do about it. 

What are common causes of tooth discoloration? 

There are two main types of discolouration: extrinsic, which affects the outer enamel and is often caused by things like coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and poor oral hygiene; and intrinsic, which affects the inner layer of the tooth (called dentin) and can result from internal factors such as dental trauma, certain medications, or the aging process. 

Age:  

Tooth discoloration isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Our teeth naturally yellow over time. As we get older, the enamel of our teeth wears down and reveals more of the dentin beneath. Your tooth enamel might look more translucent or take on a yellow hue. 

Food and drink:  

One of the most common causes of surface staining is from drinks like coffee, tea and red wine. Dark fruits and vegetables (such as berries and beetroot) and dark tomato-based sauces can also stain tooth enamel. Brightening toothpaste or cutting back on these foods can help. 

Poor oral hygiene: 

Plaque and tartar don’t just cause tooth cavities; they can also trap stains making our teeth appear more yellow. If you don’t floss or brush regularly your teeth may discolour over time. A regular oral hygiene is important if you want whiter teeth. 

Smoking: 

Tobacco usage stains teeth and causes them to turn yellow. It also restricts blood flow to your teeth and gums. Quitting smoking won't restore the colour of your teeth to their original shade but it will prevent further staining.  

Tooth injuries 

Dental injuries can cause the affected teeth to turn grey. This happens when a tooth’s blood supply is damaged or the nerve inside the tooth is killed. When this happens, the blood vessels surrounding the tooth might also burst, releasing blood into the tooth and altering its appearance.  

Antibiotics: 

Some antibiotics can cause yellow, brown or grey stains on our teeth, particularly tetracyclines. The risk of tooth staining is higher in childhood and pregnancy. Some adults have reported tooth staining from tetracyclines, but the symptoms aren’t permanent.  

Tooth staining: What different colours can mean 

The colour of your tooth stain could indicate the underlying cause. Some colours of discolouration are more concerning than others. 

•  Yellow stains are most often the result of eating and drinking or poor oral hygiene habits  
• Brown tooth discolouration is often caused by smoking.  
• White spots can be a sign of dental fluorosis which could be from high levels of fluoride consumption during childhood. 
• Brown or black spots on your teeth are often a sign of untreated tooth decay.  

What can I do to get rid of tooth stains? 

Tooth stains can ruin the appearance of your teeth and lower your confidence. There are ways to eliminate or reduce stains for brighter, whiter teeth.  

• In-office treatment: In-practice teeth whitening is one of the safest and most effective ways to brighten your teeth. Treatment usually takes 1-2 hours and is faster than using an at-home whitening kit. More importantly, your dentist can make sure your teeth are healthy and treat any cavities or signs of gum disease first. 
• At-home kits: At home whitening can still be effective, especially through kits recommended by a dentist. These kits sometimes include custom made trays that do a better job of distributing whitening gel evenly onto your teeth than an off-the-shelf kit. 
• Over the counter products: Over the counter kits, toothpastes or whitening strips do work to some degree, but they are far less effective on intrinsic stains than in-office treatment. Some people will also experience tooth sensitivity or sensitive gums after a few treatments.  

When should I see a dentist about a tooth stain? 

If you notice a sudden change to the colour of your teeth, you should see a dentist. Staining or discolouration could be a sign of a cavity or tooth decay, and a quick checkup can make sure your smile is healthy. Book a consultation at Gentle Dental now at one of our four Wellington dental clinics.