Stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth can dim your smile and make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, professional teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatments can help. However, it’s important to know the cause of your tooth discoloration. The following causes of tooth staining are discussed in more detail below.

Intrinsic Staining

Intrinsic staining is discoloration of the dentin, the layer of the tooth just below the enamel. Dentin is compromised of thick bony tissue, so a stain on this area generally indicates a structural problem with the tooth. Common causes include overuse of fluoride, the use of certain antibiotics during the mother's pregnancy, and the use of certain antibiotics in children eight years old or younger. Intrinsic staining is almost always yellow. If you have intrinsic stains, talk to your dentist about if teeth whitening would be helpful.

Extrinsic Staining

Extrinsic staining is any discoloration of the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. Enamel is naturally white and extremely durable. But over time, certain foods and drinks can stain it a darker color and cause it to slowly wear away. Extrinsic stains are the most responsive to teeth whitening treatment. Discoloring foods and drinks include coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomatoes. Soda is particularly damaging to the color of teeth and the strength of enamel. Smoking also causes extrinsic staining.

Age-Related Staining

As a person ages, their teeth naturally begin to discolor. Both extrinsic and intrinsic issues figure into age-related staining, resulting in erosion of enamel and exposure of yellowed dentin. Teeth also become more brittle with age, and a break or crack that's reached the tooth's pulp can also cause discoloration.

Tooth discoloration is common and easily treatable. David E. Smith, DMD, PSC, is a dentist offering teeth whitening and cleaning to residents of the Nicholasville, KY, region. He and his team provide a wide range of general dental care services and treatment to patients of all ages. Schedule an exam today by calling (859) 887-4008, visiting them online, or sending them a message on Facebook.