Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, tobacco use, certain medications, age, and poor oral hygiene. Foods and drinks that are high in chromogens, such as coffee and red wine, can stain and discolor the teeth. Tobacco use can also cause staining and discoloration of the teeth, as well as other oral health issues. Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can also cause tooth discoloration when taken during the formative years of tooth development.
As we age, the enamel on our teeth begins to thin, exposing the underlying dentin, which is naturally yellow in color, causing the teeth to appear yellow or discolored. Poor oral hygiene, including the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, can also cause tooth discoloration.
Causes of tooth discoloration
Diet
Certain foods and drinks can stain and discolor the teeth. Foods and drinks that are high in chromogens, or color pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, can cause staining. In addition, sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel, exposing the underlying dentin, which is naturally yellow in color. This can cause the teeth to appear yellow or discolored.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use, whether it be smoking or chewing tobacco, is a common cause of tooth discoloration. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can cause staining and discoloration of the teeth. In addition, tobacco use can also lead to other oral health issues, such as gum disease and oral cancer.
Certain Medications
Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause tooth discoloration when taken during the formative years of tooth development. These medications can cause the teeth to become discolored or even appear striped. In addition, certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments can also cause tooth discoloration.
Age
As we age, the enamel on our teeth begins to thin, exposing the underlying dentin, which is naturally yellow in color. This can cause the teeth to appear yellow or discolored. In addition, the accumulation of surface stains from years of consuming staining foods and drinks can also contribute to tooth discoloration.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can cause tooth discoloration. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms when plaque is not removed. Both plaque and tartar can cause the teeth to appear yellow or discolored. Teeth Whitening Service
