What is Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is having a tooth color that is anything other than white or off-white. This can include yellow, gray, chalky white, or brownish stains on your teeth. Discoloration may also refer to spots or lines on your tooth or teeth.

You may be born with a condition that causes tooth discoloration (congenital disease). You may also have been exposed as a child to something that causes discolored teeth.

You can also develop discolored teeth as an adult. In most cases, tooth discoloration is not a sign of a serious medical condition.

What are the causes?

Causes of this condition depend on the type of tooth discoloration that you have.

• Tooth discoloration that you are born with may be caused by:
  • Congenital diseases that affect the enamel and calcium in your teeth.
  • Genes that are passed down through families.
  • Certain antibiotic medicines that your mother took during pregnancy.
• Tooth discoloration that occurred in childhood may be caused by medical conditions or exposure to certain substances while your teeth were forming. These include:
  • Certain antibiotics that you took before you were 8 years old.
  • High fever.
  • Overuse of fluoride.
  • A yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice) as an infant.

Tooth discoloration that occurs after childhood may be caused by:

• Age. Teeth become more yellow with age.
• Tobacco use.
• Staining from food and drink, especially coffee, tea, and red wine.
• A tooth injury.
• Certain medicines. These include medicines to treat allergy (antihistamines), mental problems (antipsychotics), and high blood pressure.
• Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Poor dental hygiene.

What are the signs or symptoms?

There are no symptoms other than tooth discoloration.

How is this diagnosed?

Your dentist can diagnose tooth discoloration by looking at your teeth. The dentist will also ask you about such things as your diet, family history, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, and medicines that you take. You may also have tests to find the cause of your tooth discoloration. These may include:

• A dental exam.
• X-rays to rule out a tooth injury.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and location of the discoloration. Treatment may include:

• Tooth whitening. Ask your dentist which product or procedure would be best for you. Options include:
  • Whitening toothpastes. These can remove stains, but they do not change the color of your teeth.
  • Home whitening kits. You can get these over-the-counter or from your dentist.
  • Whitening or bleaching treatment at your dentist’s office. This may take more than one visit. Whitening bleaches do not work for all types of tooth discoloration.
• Veneers or crowns. Veneers are thin covers that can be attached to the front of your teeth. Crowns are caps that fit over your teeth. These can cover discolored teeth that do not respond to bleaching.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If you are using a whitening treatment, follow the directions carefully.
• Maintain good oral hygiene:
  • Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush two times each day.
  • Floss your teeth every day.
  • Have your teeth cleaned regularly, as often as recommended by your dentist.
• Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not drink beverages that can stain your teeth. These include coffee, red wine, or tea. If you do drink one of these beverages, brush your teeth soon after.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have tooth pain.
• Your symptoms get worse with treatment.
• You have new symptoms.

Summary

• Tooth discoloration is having a tooth color that is anything other than white or off-white.
• Tobacco products, certain foods and drinks, and certain medicines are common causes of tooth discoloration.
• Brushing your teeth regularly and having your teeth cleaned as recommended by your dentist can help improve tooth discoloration.