As we get older, the protective enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, exposing the yellowish layer of dentin beneath. While this is a normal part of aging, teeth whitening can help reverse the clock and make your smile appear younger and brighter.

The foods and beverages we consume can have a big impact on the color of our teeth. Dark-colored items like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and certain berries can leave stubborn stains over time. Dr. Birch’s personal culprit? Coke! He loves it and admits it’s one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.

Smoking or chewing tobacco leads to yellow or brown stains that can deeply embed in the teeth, making them more difficult to remove through regular brushing and cleaning.

Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque, tartar, and stains to build up, contributing to a dull appearance. For some patients, even professional cleanings may not fully remove all discoloration, which is where whitening treatments can help.

Certain medications, including antihistamines, antipsychotics, and some antibiotics, have been known to cause discoloration as a side effect. Some patients also experience discoloration due to exposure to antibiotics, like tetracycline, when their mothers were pregnant.

Physical injury to a tooth can damage its inner structure (the pulp), which may cause the tooth to turn gray or darken over time. Dr. Birch frequently sees children with discolored teeth following an accidental fall or bump to the mouth.

Overexposure to fluoride during early tooth development can lead to fluorosis, which appears as white or brown streaks or spots on the teeth.

Some people are naturally predisposed to have darker or more yellow dentin, which affects the overall color of their teeth. Genetics can play a significant role in determining how white or yellow your teeth are, even with good oral hygiene.