What Causes Tooth Staining?

The fact that the teeth become discolored, or get bright spots can be caused by several different things. It may partly be that a tooth change color because it is damaged. There are also some food and drinks we consume that discolor teeth. Coffee and tea, red wine, licorice, some spice and coloring agents in food may discolor the teeth surface. Discoloration may occur in different layers of the tooth. Even cigarettes discolor or stain the teeth surface. As it is primarily the teeth surface which is discolored it will for the most part disappear by bleaching.

The most common is the natural discoloration that comes with age. Then the teeth change color and become darker the older you get. Discoloration may also be due to consumption of certain drugs or various types of abuse. Such discoloration often leads to gray teeth and the discoloration is deeper in the tooth. In these cases it is not certain that a bleaching treatment leads to any good result.

Discoloration can also be genetically determined. To some extent we inherit our teeth and some teeth are genetically yellower and darker than others.

Mainly it is about keeping the tooth surface clean to prevent discoloration. Coatings and tartar helps to slowly darken your teeth. That's when you get yellow teeth.