Why Are My Teeth Darkening — And What Can I Do About It?

A great impression often begins with a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, teeth may darken over time for a variety of reasons, such as consuming sugary foods and drinks that weaken white tooth enamel.

Danny Jeon, DMD, helps you brighten your smile through cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, such as tooth whitening and veneers, at Tucker Family Dental in Tucker, GA.

Why teeth darken over time

Teeth become discolored due to a variety of factors that fall into three major categories:

Intrinsic

Discoloration within the tooth often makes it appear grayish. Caused by tooth decay and trauma, medications, and other issues, it’s easier to resolve at the dentist than through over-the-counter whitening products.

Extrinsic

These stains only affect your tooth’s outer enamel. They’re usually due to certain food and beverages. Smoking may also play a part.

Age-related

As you age, your tooth enamel wears away, creating a yellow tinge because of intrinsic and extrinsic issues.

Dr. Jeon identifies which type is causing the discoloration to find the best solution.

Common causes of discoloration

A variety of issues may contribute to your problem, such as:

Tooth grinding that reveals a deeper, yellowish layer
Calcium deficiency
Consuming too much fluoride from your water source or elsewhere

Certain medications, from antihistamines to high blood pressure drugs, as well as various health issues, such as liver problems and celiac disease, may also trigger discoloration. Even taking tetracycline or doxycycline as a child may later result in tooth discoloration.

Foods that stain

Certain foods stain more than others, including:

Soy sauce
Curry
Tomato sauce

An acidic environment makes your teeth more vulnerable to staining. You can reduce discoloration by brushing and flossing right after your meal.

Dr. Jeon suggests sipping coffee or tea with milk to lessen staining. He also recommends drinking fruit juices, sports drinks, and soda through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.

Pinpoint the root of the problem

Different colors frequently correspond to specific issues behind your tooth discoloration, such as:

Yellow from aging or consuming dark-colored food or drinks
Gray may indicate a dead nerve
Brown from tobacco or untreated tooth decay
White specks may reveal fluorosis, indicating high levels of fluoride
Purple tint that occurs from wine

You should visit the dentist for any black spots, which primarily indicate tooth decay.

Whitening 101

One of the simplest ways to refresh your smile is through professional teeth whitening. Over two visits, Dr. Jeon:

Fashions molds of your teeth
Sends the molds to the lab to create clear, custom-fitting plastic trays
Ensures the fit during your second appointment
Provides a whitening solution to use conveniently at home with your trays

Wearing these trays twice a day for just half an hour helps you achieve significantly whiter teeth in just two weeks.

Additional solutions

Dr. Jeon also restores stained, chipped, or damaged teeth with veneers. He attaches a tiny strip of porcelain to the front of each tooth to create your ideal smile. You might also consider dental crowns if your teeth are both damaged and discolored.

Holistic dental treatments

Should you face any new discoloration accompanied by pain or bleeding gums, contact Tucker Family Dental promptly, as it may indicate deeper dental issues. To book a cleaning or exam, or discuss any dental concerns from discoloration to decay, call our office at (678) 233-2945 or book an appointment online today.