Our teeth are really strong—they are able to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear! However, our teeth are not completely impervious to damage and aesthetic changes; over time many people find that their teeth start to look dark and discolored. In this short article, we’ll be discussing some of the common causes of dental staining. We hope that this information helps you understand any changes that you may be seeing in your smile.
When most people think of “dental discoloration,” they first think of environmental stains; these are the dental stains that result from foods, drinks, and especially tobacco products. Many richly colored foods, like berries and red sauces, can result in staining. Drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks, and berry juices can also leave color deposits on your enamel. Environmental stains are often effectively lightened and treated with professional topical whitening treatments.
Sometimes teeth start to look dark and dull due to structural changes. For example, if your dental enamel is becoming thinner, you may find that your teeth consequently look yellow and dark. This is because dentin—the layer of the tooth under the enamel—is darker and yellower than healthy enamel.
If the structure of your tooth becomes damaged due to dental trauma, this can also result in a dark tooth. When a tooth’s nerves or roots become damaged, the tooth can turn brown, gray, and dull. If you notice that you are dealing with this type of discoloration, talk to your dentist, as this can hint at underlying oral health issues.
No matter what type of dental discoloration you’re dealing with, our Santa Monica cosmetic dentists are here to help you reclaim the beautiful smile that you love. Contact our dental team by giving us a call or submitting a question through the Contact Us page of our website.