Teeth are actually a pretty complicated structure. They have layers and layers of tissue, including enamel, dentin, and pulp, with a visible crown on the outside and roots beneath your gums.

Teeth play many roles in your mouth. They help you chew your food so you can break it down and digest it. They also create spaces for your tongue and cheeks so you can get a full, comfortable bite. Your teeth may stain over time due to a number of reasons, including:

Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco are major contributors to stained teeth. Tobacco products contain tar, which stains the teeth.

Chewing tobacco is also dangerous for oral health. It can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

If you are a smoker, quitting will greatly reduce the staining on your teeth.

Foods and Drinks

Foods and drinks that are acidic (like citrus fruits and juices, tomato sauce, and soda) can wear down your enamel. Eating these foods and drinks too often contributes to dental erosion and cavities.

On the other hand, foods that are high in calcium (like cheese, milk, and almonds) actually help strengthen your enamel. Chewing these foods also stimulates saliva production, which fights tooth decay.

Medications

Medications such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, and chlorhexidine can stain your teeth.

Medications can cause staining by affecting the enamel layer of your teeth. The enamel layer protects the dentin layer of your teeth, and medications can break down this protective layer. When this happens, medications can cause the dentin layer of your teeth to show through, which is a darker color than enamel.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Skipping the habit of brushing and flossing can result in the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which may, over time, result in yellowing or staining of teeth. 

Genetics

Inherited stains often affect the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin. This is typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Because dentin is porous, these stains are relatively difficult or impossible to bleach away. However, dental veneers can easily cover any stains on your teeth.

Inherited stains often affect the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin. This is typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Because dentin is porous, these stains are relatively difficult or impossible to bleach away. However, dental veneers can easily cover any stains on your teeth.

Trauma

Trauma can also cause your teeth to discolor. For example, if you chip a tooth, that tooth may darken over time.

Age

Your age can play a big role in your oral health. Young children are still learning how to care for their teeth. They may not brush and floss properly, which can result in cavities. Teens and young adults also tend to have more cavities than older adults, which are typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Adults over the age of 65 are more likely to have gum disease, which can develop as a result of poor oral hygiene.

Fluorosis

Fluorosis occurs when a person has excessive exposure to fluoride. It causes brown or white spots to appear on the teeth. Fluorosis is a sign that fluoride has been overexposed.

It’s more common in children than adults, so parents should take extra care to ensure their children aren’t exposed to too much fluoride. The most common cause of fluorosis is drinking fluoridated water.

Fluorosis is a sign that fluoride has been overexposed.

Please do reach out to us on call or by scheduling an online consultation with our dental professionals, and we’ll be glad to assist you further.