5 common causes of teeth stain or discoloration

Food, tobacco, medication and other factors that can cause staining of the teeth.

Teeth stains also known as teeth discolouration happen when certain substances or chemicals stick or enter the teeth enamel. Yellow discolouration of the teeth is quite common, however teeth stains can cause brown, green, grey and even white patches on the teeth. The colour of the stains formed on teeth mainly depends on the causes of the stains. Dr Neeraj Verma, Senior Consultant, Dental Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi explains the common causes of teeth stains.

#1. Foods and beverages

The most common cause of tooth discolouration is eating foods that stick to the tooth surface leading to stains. These include dark-coloured foods like coffee, tea, wine, cola, coloured sauces and coloured fruits. Even chocolates and green tea can lead to teeth stains. Also, read about everyday things that are staining your teeth.

#2.Tobacco

Tobacco causes nicotine stains on teeth whether smoked or chewed. While nicotine is essentially colourless, it becomes yellowish once it combines with oxygen gas, causing yellow teeth stains. Similarly, tar, which is naturally dark matter resulting from smoking or chewing tobacco, causes dark spots on teeth. Tobacco stains on teeth are common among tobacco smokers.

#3. Oral care mistakes

Poorly cleaned teeth may result in accumulation of dental plaque (sticky deposit on teeth) in which bacteria and fungi multiply and produce colour that forms green and orange stains. If residues buildup on the surface of teeth, it may cause white, yellow, dark, brown, black, and even green teeth staining, depending on the colour of the residues. Here are few oral care mistakes responsible for yellow teeth.

#4. Certain Medications

Many people wonder if medications cause teeth stains or discolouration? The answer is YES. Some medications may lead to tooth stains as a side effect. Common medications that may cause stains on teeth include tetracycline and doxycycline, high blood pressure medications and antipsychotic drugs.

#5. Tooth decay

Failing to brush your teeth or floss regularly may lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can result in white, yellow, brown or black stains on teeth. Due to infiltration of the coloured substances produced during the decay process your teeth lose lustre from their surface causing teeth discolouration. Here's how to prevent teeth stains.

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