Common Causes of Tooth Stain

Teeth stains are among the most common dental concerns, affecting many people striving for that bright, confident smile. If you’re considering whitening your teeth or wondering why your smile looks darker than it used to, understanding the causes of tooth stain is a great place to start. Discolouration can occur due to various factors, and while some may be within our control, others are simply a part of life. When you know what makes enamel darken, you can take proactive steps to help your teeth look their best by taking preventive measures or seeking the right treatments to maintain them.

Reasons for Tooth Stains

Food and Drinks

The most common reason behind stained teeth is the things we eat and drink. Since teeth are porous, they naturally soak up the stain particles of foods and drinks we consume. Red wine, coffee, tea, berries and tomato-based sauces are prime culprits for cumulative dental stains. Limit their intake as much as possible and take care to rinse and brush immediately afterwards to avoid deep stains.

Environmental Factors

Growing up in certain areas or having particular lifestyle habits can make your teeth appear a different colour. Some people who swim competitively on a regular basis notice that the pool chlorination can cause stains on their teeth after several months. Fortunately, regular scales and cleans can polish this superficial stain away. Certain residential areas may have naturally heavy mineral content in the soil and water supply, causing teeth to develop in a manner where pits or stains are visible (requiring cosmetic treatment.)

Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of teeth stains. The tar and nicotine in tobacco can quickly turn teeth yellow, and over time, they can develop into more permanent brown stains. Tobacco use not only affects the appearance of your teeth but also increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

Medications

Certain medications can lead to teeth staining, especially when taken during tooth development. Antibiotics used to treat infections can cause discolouration if administered to children under the age of eight. Women who are pregnant or nursing need to avoid certain medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline. If consumed at a young age, it can cause permanent tooth discoloration in a child’s adult teeth. Additionally, some antihistamines, antipsychotics and blood pressure medications may also cause teeth to darken.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Skipping regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth and contains bacteria, while tartar is hardened plaque. Both can lead to discolouration, giving your teeth a yellow or brown tint. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to keeping your teeth looking their best.

Ageing

As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the dentin beneath. Dentin is the layer of tissue beneath the enamel that has a yellowish hue. Over time, this becomes more prominent, causing your teeth to appear less white. While ageing is inevitable, maintaining good dental habits can slow down the process.

Genetics

Perhaps you just have naturally dark teeth…and that’s ok. The colour, brightness and translucency vary from person to person and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your smile. The layer of tooth structure under your enamel is naturally yellow. Sometimes it’s thicker and darker, with thinner enamel over it, allowing it to show through more.

Fluorosis

Fluoride is beneficial for strengthening teeth and preventing decay, but excessive exposure during childhood can lead to a condition called fluorosis. This can cause white or brown spots on the teeth. It’s essential to monitor fluoride intake, especially in young children, to avoid this issue.

Dental Trauma

Injuries to the teeth can cause discolouration, particularly in children whose teeth are still developing. When a tooth is traumatised, it can produce more dentin, the yellowish tissue beneath the enamel, leading to a darker appearance. This can happen even in adults, especially if the trauma leads to nerve damage.

When to See a Professional

Teeth stains are often a part of life, but understanding their causes can help you take the necessary steps to maintain a brighter smile. With good oral hygiene, mindful habits, and the right treatments, you can keep your teeth looking their best.

At Wyndham Dental, we’ve helped brighten smiles for over 30 years. If your teeth are causing embarrassment or don’t appear as youthful as they used to, it may be time to talk to us about professional teeth whitening or dental veneers! Call today for a consultation.