What is causing my tooth discolouration and staining?
Even if you brush and floss daily, you might still notice your teeth appearing slightly yellow. Tooth discolouration can be caused by extrinsic stains (on the tooth’s outer surface) or intrinsic stains (inside the tooth). So, what causes your teeth to appear discoloured?
Factors that may cause tooth discolouring
Foods and drinks – Some foods and drinks can contribute to staining. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola and fruit juices contain strong colour pigments called chromogens that can darken your tooth enamel. Plus, foods like tomato-based sauces, curries, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, berries and beetroot can also leave the appearance of stains.
Nutrition – A lack of essential nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus can affect both the health and appearance of your teeth.
Environment and lifestyle – Smoking or vaping exposes teeth to tar and nicotine, which can cause yellowing.
Stress and hormonal changes – Chronic stress can reduce saliva production (which helps protect your teeth), increase inflammation and weaken oral health, leading to yellowing. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also impact tooth colour by altering enamel mineralisation.
Some factors which affect the colour of your teeth out of our control, including:
- Medications and treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy or long-term steroid use.
- Dental trauma or injuries that may cause the tooth to produce more dentin for protection, making it look darker.
- As we get older, the protective white enamel on teeth can naturally thin out, allowing the darker dentin underneath to show through, making teeth appear darker.
- Sometimes, tooth colour is simply genetic. You might have thicker or more translucent enamel, which influences how yellow or white your teeth appear.
Professional scale and cleans
Dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year combined with regular dental check-ups, to remove plaque and tartar that brushing cannot eliminate.
Teeth whitening
While a professional cleaning can help reduce some discolouration, teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can brighten your smile. Your dentist will be able to determine if teeth whitening is a suitable option for you.
Having slightly yellow teeth doesn’t mean you’re not taking care of your oral health. If you’re concerned about the colour of your teeth or notice sudden changes, it’s best to book an appointment and speak to your dentist. They can explore the cause and recommend preventative measures, products or treatments to help reduce staining.
1Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus fact sheet. Dental Health Services Victoria, dhsv.org.au
