Tooth staining and discoloration can occur for many reasons. Some stains are superficial and affect only the outer enamel, while others are deeper and more difficult to remove with daily brushing.

Common causes include:

Food and Beverages

Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda are known to stain enamel. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also contribute over time.

Tobacco Use

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can leave brown or yellow stains on teeth and speed up discoloration of the enamel.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque and stain-causing substances to build up on your teeth, dulling their appearance.

Aging

As we age, enamel wears down, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. This natural process can make teeth appear darker or less vibrant.

Medications

Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics or antihistamines, can cause internal staining. This type of discoloration often requires more advanced treatment.

Trauma or Injury

A damaged tooth may change color if the inner pulp becomes injured. Trauma can lead to gray, brown, or even black discoloration in a single tooth.

Fluorosis

Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood may cause white spots or streaks on the teeth known as dental fluorosis.

Understanding the type of discoloration helps determine the most effective treatment.

Extrinsic Stains

These stains occur on the outer surface of the teeth and are often caused by lifestyle factors like food, drinks, or tobacco. They usually respond well to professional cleanings and whitening treatments.

Intrinsic Stains

These stains lie beneath the enamel and may result from trauma, medication, or excessive fluoride. Intrinsic discoloration often requires more advanced cosmetic solutions such as veneers or bonding.

Age-Related Stains

This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic changes that naturally happen as enamel thins and dentin darkens over time.

Our team offers several proven solutions to address tooth discoloration, depending on the severity and type of stain.

Professional Teeth Whitening

We use safe, dentist-supervised whitening treatments that deliver noticeably brighter results than store-bought options. In-office or take-home whitening options are available based on your preferences.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, ideal for deep or stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening.

Dental Bonding

For individual discolored teeth, bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to improve color and shape in a single appointment.

Regular Cleanings and Polishing

Routine dental cleanings remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar that dull your smile. Regular visits also help prevent new discoloration from developing.

Maintaining a bright smile involves a combination of professional care and good daily habits.

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss every day to remove stain-causing buildup
• Limit dark-colored foods and drinks or rinse with water afterward
• Avoid tobacco products
• Visit the dentist every 4 to 6 months for cleanings
• Use a straw when drinking staining beverages to reduce contact with teeth