Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Discolored or yellow teeth may or may not be your fault. Either way, blame one or more of the following:
Foods
Foods with lots of pigment such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, most varieties of berries, cherries, and curry will stain teeth. Slightly acidic foods, such as citrus, also open up the pores of the tooth enamel which causes teeth to stain more easily.
Drinks
Coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks such as colas, teas, and cranberry juice can cause staining. Keep in mind that anything that will stain a white T-shirt can also stain teeth. Watch out for extremely hot or extremely cold liquids. They will change the temperature of your teeth causing them to expand and contract. This allows stains to penetrate teeth more easily.
Smoking
You probably already knew that smoking stains teeth. Most of the stain from smoking can be removed if you catch it early enough, but as time goes on, the staining spreads deeper into the enamel and is much more difficult to remove. Eventually smoking will permanently stain your teeth.
Chewing Tobacco
A brown/black stain is usually found on the enamel of tobacco chewers. This stain is especially pronounced on the bottom front teeth where the tobacco is stored.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups, and cleanings will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and white.
Overbrushing
What? It's possible to brush your teeth to much? It sure is. Overbrushing with an abrasive toothpaste (like most whitening toothpastes) and a hard bristle brush can actually brush away the enamel of your teeth over time. This will cause the underlying, yellow, dentin to show. This is one of the reasons that dentists recommend soft bristle brushes.
Disease and Medications
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and some acne and arthritis treatments can cause tooth discoloration from long term use.
Antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline can also cause discoloration. Young children are particularly susceptible to these.
Chemotherapy can cause tooth discoloration.
Mouth washes containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine can stain teeth.
Aging
As people grow older their teeth produce more stains. The enamel also thins through wear and tear. This causes the yellow dentine layer to show through, and makes teeth appear yellow and dull.
Fluoride
High fluoride levels in the water you drink can contribute to tooth discoloration. Children are especially susceptible as they can get fluorosis from swallowing toothpaste. Fluorosis causes chalky-white patches or lines on teeth.
Genetics
Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others.
Injury
A really hard bump can cause nerve problems which will discolor a tooth. Whitening may temporarily whiten the outside of the tooth, but this should really have a dentist's attention.
