Tooth Discoloration: Why Teeth Lose Their Sparkle

Are your teeth not as white as you remember? Learn why that might be.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is common. It is caused by both internal and external factors.

External color changes are usually due to staining of the tooth enamel. Stains caused by external factors can be yellow, brown, purple or red in color.

Common causes include:

• Tobacco (smoking or chewing)
• Foods (tomato sauce, dark berries)
• Beverages (tea, coffee, red wine)
• Poor oral hygiene

Internal color changes happen under the hard outer layer of your tooth enamel. They often appear gray in color but can also appear as a yellowish discoloration as you age.

With age, the enamel on your teeth wears away and becomes thinner. This allows the yellowish layer of the tooth (the dentin) to show through.

Other common causes include:

• Trauma/injury to the tooth
• Certain medications
• Tooth decay

How can tooth color changes be treated?

Treatments for tooth color changes vary based on the type and cause.

External treatment

Color changes caused by poor oral hygiene can be treated by changing your brushing and flossing technique and/or frequency. For staining caused by different foods or beverages, an over-the-counter whitening product, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes or strips can help. Talk with your dentist about what option might be best for you since some of these products may cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

Your dentist may suggest external bleaching via an in-office whitening treatment or custom trays for your use at home. In-office treatments generally contain a higher level of whitening agent and tend to last longer than at-home or over-the-counter treatments. With custom trays for at-home use, you will need to add a gel and wear them on your teeth as instructed by your dentist. To achieve results, you may need to wear the trays for a few weeks.

Internal treatment

Your dentist may suggest internal bleaching for internal discoloration. This is a procedure typically done on a discolored dead tooth treated with a root canal, not treatment planned for a crown. For internal stains, treatments for external discoloration are generally not effective.

During your next routine checkup, talk with your dentist about any concerns you have regarding tooth color changes. If you notice a single tooth has discolored quickly between checkups, contact your dentist as soon as possible. They can advise you if an earlier appointment may be necessary.

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Note: The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of your dentist or another licensed healthcare professional. Talk to your dentist for any specific dental advice.

Source: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening