WHY DO TEETH STAIN?

Teeth stain as a result of staining on the surface of teeth called enamel and/or an actual change in the color of the inner layer of the tooth called dentin. Extrinsic or surface staining occurs when dark particles from food or drink accumulate into a film of protein that covers the surface of a tooth. Intrinsic or deep staining is caused by pigmented particles that work their way through the pores of teeth and cause yellowing of the internal portion of the tooth called dentin. Excessive fluoride use in children and certain medical conditions can also cause intrinsic staining. There are many reasons that teeth may become stained and yellow. This summarized list can help you identify stain causing agents:

Food & Drink: Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and even some fruits and vegetables are known causes of discolored teeth.

Tobacco: Both chewing tobacco and cigarettes can contribute to stained and yellow teeth.

Oral Care: Poor home dental hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing on a daily basis, can lead to tooth discoloration.

Trauma or Disease: Any illness, disease, or trauma that affects tooth development in children—either while the child is in the womb or as children under the age of 8 (while teeth are developing) can cause yellow or discolored teeth. Trauma to permanent adult teeth can also cause yellowing of the teeth as a result of nerve damage. In addition, there are a few diseases and disease treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, that can cause discolored teeth.

Age Related: Age-related yellowing of teeth is a combination of surface and deep tooth staining. Because the core dentin of your teeth naturally yellows over time, teeth appear more yellow with age. As we age, the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. The combination of all this results in our teeth becoming progressively more yellow as we age.