What causes my teeth to look discolored?
Are your teeth yellow, or do you have brown or dark splotches on your teeth? Many different things can be responsible for tooth discoloration. While some tooth discoloration is the consequence of certain lifestyle habits. However, dental trauma, medications, or over-fluoridation can also cause discoloration.
Treatment for whitening discolored teeth will vary depending on the cause of tooth discoloration. Claremont Dental Institute can help determine the cause of your teeth stains. Our Claremont dentists will provide suitable solutions to improve the appearance of your smile.
Causes & Treatments for Tooth Discoloration
How to Fix Yellow Stained Teeth
Yellow teeth are the most common form of tooth discoloration. As patients age, the enamel of their teeth gradually erodes. As the tooth enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is the inner layer of tooth material that is naturally yellow in color.
Certain lifestyle factors can accelerate the yellowing of teeth. For example, drinking red wine and coffee, smoking, or consuming a diet high in sugar.
Your dentist will work with you to resolve discoloration with professional teeth whitening kits or in-office whitening treatments. Professional whitening gels help reduce tooth sensitivity and provide quick, beautiful results. Thus, whitening teeth up to 8 shades in a single treatment.
How to Fix Dark Spots on Teeth
Dark or brown spots on teeth are a product of trauma to the tooth. An accident or injury can leave behind dark spots on the tooth’s surface. There are also certain antibiotics that cause dark spots to form on the teeth.
Always let your dentist know about any medications you are taking so that you get the appropriate dental care. Dark spots from an injury or medication may require tooth bonding or porcelain veneers to cover them. These types of stains tend to be resistant to professional teeth whitening gels.
How to Fix White Spots on Teeth
Many patients have small, ultra-bright spots on some of their teeth. Overexposure to fluoride during tooth development is the most common cause of bright white spots. Our dentists can use tooth bonding, veneers, and whitening products to even out the color and hide permanent white spots.
Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth
Whitening your teeth can help improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-confidence. A whiter and brighter smile makes us feel attractive and gives us the confidence to be friendlier. If you’re unhappy with the color and appearance of your teeth, share them with your dentist at your next dental appointment.
We can quickly fix brown and yellow or stained teeth with an in-office teeth whitening procedure. Trauma or discoloration because of medications may require more advanced cosmetic treatment. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers or a dental crown to create a more balanced and beautiful smile.
Whitening your teeth can make your face and smile look younger. You will leave our dental office feeling refreshed. Talk to your dentist about combining teeth whitening with other cosmetic treatments for a total smile makeover.
Patient Review
Discolored Teeth FAQs
Discolored teeth can be a cosmetic issue, but they can also indicate that you have other oral health problems. 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 susceptible your teeth are to staining. Some people naturally have thinner enamel or darker dentin, making discoloration more noticeable. Lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene also contribute to how quickly stains develop. Regular dental care and preventive habits can help keep your teeth brighter regardless of genetics.
Can medications cause tooth discoloration?
Yes, certain medications can cause intrinsic staining. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can discolor teeth if taken during early childhood when teeth are developing. Some antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs may also darken tooth color. If medication is the cause, professional whitening may not be enough, and restorative options like veneers or bonding might be recommended.
How does aging cause tooth discoloration?
As you age, the enamel on your teeth gradually wears away, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. Years of exposure to food and drink pigments can also lead to deeper stains that are harder to remove. Additionally, natural changes in tooth structure can make discoloration more noticeable over time. Professional whitening or restorative treatments can help restore a youthful, bright appearance.
Can tooth discoloration be prevented?
Yes, you can reduce your risk of discoloration by practicing good oral hygiene and making mindful lifestyle choices. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a whitening or stain-removing toothpaste can help. Limiting dark-colored foods and beverages and avoiding tobacco products also goes a long way. Regular professional cleanings remove surface stains and keep your smile bright.
Can tooth discoloration be a sign of a dental problem?
Yes, in some cases, discoloration can indicate an underlying issue such as decay, trauma, or enamel erosion. A single dark or gray tooth might suggest a history of injury or nerve damage. Discoloration can also result from enamel defects or early signs of cavities. It’s important to have your dentist evaluate any sudden or unusual color changes to rule out dental health concerns.
Can trauma to a tooth cause it to change color?
Yes, dental trauma can cause a tooth to darken over time. When a tooth is injured, blood vessels or nerves inside may break down, leading to a gray or brown hue. In some cases, internal bleeding or pulp damage causes discoloration even if the tooth remains healthy externally. Your dentist can evaluate the tooth and determine whether treatment, such as whitening or a root canal, is needed.
Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Do you wish your smile were whiter and brighter? Claremont Dental Institute serves patients from San Dimas, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, La Verne, and Upland California. Call our office at (909) 277-6919 or request a consultation online today.