What causes tooth discoloration?

Yellow teeth can create a lack of self-confidence for many people. Investigating the causes can help you take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatments to achieve an attractive, healthy smile. In this blog, we will examine the various factors that cause tooth discoloration and offer tips on how to keep your teeth looking their best.
Why do teeth turn yellow?
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing causes plaque and tartar to accumulate, causing teeth to turn yellow.
- Nutrition routine - diet: Stains from food and beverages; coffee, tea, red wine, soda and some fruits contain chromogens that stain tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks; citrus fruits, soda and vinegar can erode tooth enamel, revealing the yellow dentin underneath.
- Aging: As you get older, enamel wears away over time and yellowish dentin becomes more visible.
- Genetics: Some people have naturally thinner tooth enamel or have a tendency to have tooth enamel that is more susceptible to staining.
- Medicines: Antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline can cause discoloration if taken during tooth development. Other medications such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antihypertensives can also cause tooth discoloration.
- Dental materials: Amalgam fillings, especially used in dental treatments and dental fillings, can give the teeth a black-grayish color.
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development causes white or brown discoloration.
- Trauma: Physical damage to teeth can damage enamel and dentin, causing discoloration.
- Health conditions: Some diseases and treatments (such as chemotherapy) can affect tooth enamel and dentin, causing yellowing
How to stop teeth from going yellow?
Strategy | Description |
Maintain Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and stains. |
Regular Dental Check-ups | Visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. |
Limit Staining Foods and Drinks | Reduce intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. |
Quit Smoking | Avoid tobacco products to prevent yellowing and other dental issues. |
Use Whitening Toothpaste | Choose a toothpaste with whitening agents to help maintain color. |
Drink Water After Meals | Rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles and acids. |
Use a Straw | Drink staining beverages through a straw to minimize contact with teeth. |
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?
By following these strategies, you can effectively prevent your teeth from turning yellow and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Tooth Discoloration Treatments
Tooth discoloration is a common problem that can affect self-confidence and appearance. Several factors such as diet, aging and lifestyle habits cause teeth to become stained and yellow. Fortunately, there are a range of treatments available to address these issues, from professional dental procedures to convenient at-home solutions.
Professional teeth whitening treatment
Teeth whitening procedures in the dentist's office. Trays custom-fitted by a dentist for home use.
Over-the-counter whitening products
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. Whitening strips and gels.
Dental veneers

Porcelain or composite resin veneers applied to the front surface of the teeth. It is effective in covering internal blemishes and improving the general appearance.
Composite tooth bonding

Tooth-colored composite bonding can be applied to cover stains and discolorations. Suitable for areas with slight discoloration.
Regular professional cleaning

A dental cleaning performed by a specialist dentist in a dental clinic removes plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth
Home whitening kits
Kits containing lower concentrations of bleach purchased on the advice of your dentist.
Lifestyle changes-Regular diet
Be careful of stains caused by food and drinks. Stop smoking and tobacco use. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables to help clean teeth. Reduce consumption of acidic foods and drinks that erode tooth enamel.