Discolored Teeth

Minor Causes (typically not serious)

• Coffee, Tea, and Dark Beverages: Pigmented drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas contain chromogens that stick to tooth enamel and cause surface staining over time. Even healthy beverages like green tea can contribute to gradual discoloration with frequent consumption.
• Food Staining: Certain foods including berries, tomatoes, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and curry contain strong pigments that can stain teeth surfaces, especially when consumed regularly without proper oral hygiene afterward.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar buildup, which attracts and holds stains. When dental plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove and creates a yellowish-brown appearance on teeth.

Moderate Causes (require dental attention)

• Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco causes stubborn yellow to brown staining due to nicotine and tar deposits. Research shows higher tooth discoloration prevalence among smokers compared to non-smokers, and these stains are often more resistant to regular whitening methods.
• Aging: As you age, tooth enamel naturally thins and wears down, exposing the yellowish dentin layer underneath. This age-related discoloration is a normal process but can make teeth appear duller and more yellow over time.
• Certain Mouthwashes: Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can cause yellow-brown staining when used long-term WebMD, particularly when combined with colored foods and beverages.

Serious Causes (need immediate care)

• Medications: Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can cause gray or brown intrinsic staining, especially when taken during childhood tooth development. Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and certain antipsychotic drugs can also cause tooth discoloration.
• Dental Trauma: Injuries from falls, accidents, or sports can disrupt blood flow to teeth or damage the pulp, resulting in gray or brown discoloration. This type of discoloration may appear months after the initial injury.
• Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, whether from water sources, supplements, or toothpaste, can cause white spots or brown patches on teeth. While fluoride protects against cavities, too much during tooth development creates permanent staining.
• Root Canal Treatment: Previous root canal procedures can cause teeth to darken or turn grayish over time, especially if certain dental materials were used or if the root canal wasn’t properly sealed.
• Dental Materials: Silver amalgam fillings can cast a gray-black shadow through the tooth structure, making the entire tooth appear darker even though the staining comes from the filling material itself.