What Are the Main Causes of Tooth Discoloration?

April 14, 2023

While it would be great to have your teeth stay bright white for your entire life, the reality is that your smile will naturally become less white and more stained over time. Most tooth discoloration is natural, but there are some instances in which discoloration could signal an oral health problem and should be evaluated by your dentist.

So what are the main reasons someone would have one or several discolored teeth? Some of the causes of stained or dark teeth may surprise you.

Pigment Stains from Foods and Drinks

Many people don’t realize that their tooth enamel is actually porous—this is how enamel absorbs nutrients and stays strong. However, the porous nature of enamel is also what causes the pigments of what you eat and drink to stain teeth [1].

The most common foods and drinks that result in teeth staining over time include those with dark or saturated colors such as blueberries, soy sauce, red wine, cola, dark beers, blackberries, and even turmeric.

If you have teeth staining from what you are eating and drinking, it’s likely most or all of your natural teeth will stain, not just one or two. However, keep in mind that dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and veneers will be much more resistant to stains than your natural teeth, and so will not be as affected by staining.

Tooth Decay, a Dead Tooth Root, or a Bruised Tooth

Cavities start out on the teeth as small “stains”, which may look like small discolored areas. Over time, these areas can advance into a full-blown cavity, which will cause a dark hole in the tooth that can only be repaired with a filling.

However, it’s also possible that you may have a dead tooth. A dead tooth is a tooth that’s inner tissue has been affected, typically due to decay or an injury to the tooth. When this happens, the tooth may turn dark and look different from the rest of the teeth [2]. The only way to fix a dead tooth is by getting a root canal, which will help restore the tooth’s appearance.

Some people may also have what’s called a bruised tooth. A bruised tooth happens when the ligaments that support the tooth get bruised due to an injury or impact, or there is blood collecting inside the tooth. Whether you have a bruised tooth, a dead tooth root, or tooth decay, all of these conditions require professional treatment from your dentist.

Smoking or Tobacco Use

If you smoke or use tobacco, it’s important to know that these substances can cause a dramatic change in tooth color over time, causing teeth to look yellow or brown. In addition, smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause deep teeth stains that are challenging to whiten. If you choose to smoke or use tobacco, keeping up with your oral hygiene and professional teeth cleanings can help keep your smile as bright as possible.

Tetracycline Staining

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that can cause irreversible dark stains on the teeth [3].

Tetracycline only stains teeth when it is given before the permanent teeth erupt, so if it is given to a mother who is expecting or a child before they get their permanent teeth in, staining can occur.

Since tetracycline is an intrinsic type of tooth staining, it can be challenging to whiten, but not impossible. Talk to your dentist about your options for improving your tooth discoloration when you have intrinsic staining such as that from tetracycline.

Are You Concerned About Tooth Discoloration?

If you are unhappy with your smile because of tooth discoloration, it’s always worth visiting your dentist to determine the cause of the discoloration and what could potentially be done to fix it. You are worth having a healthy smile that makes you feel great about the way you look!