Why Do Teeth Darken?

Because a white, bright smile is equated with healthy teeth, people have been looking for tooth whitening methods for hundreds of years. Today, you can find an almost endless supply of whitening options, from professional dentist methods to whitening toothpastes. Pearly white teeth are no longer just for the rich and famous.

Unfortunately, it is a simple fact that most people’s teeth become darker over time. Every tooth has four components:

• Enamel
• Dentin
• Cementum
• Pulp

The translucency of the tooth enamel determines how much of the yellowish dentin layer shows through. Because every person has a unique set of teeth, different life habits and genetic circumstances, all teeth have different shades of whiteness. It is perfectly natural that some people are just born with whiter teeth than others.

Causes of Tooth Darkening

Tooth discoloration can occur because of one or a combination of factors, including:

• Staining substances, such as soda, coffee, tea, red or white wine, tobacco or certain acidic foods
• Medications, including certain antibiotics (tetracycline given to children during the enamel-forming stages), antihistamines, anti-hypertensives or anti-psychotics
• Diseases that alter the tooth enamel
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Loss of tooth enamel due to age, causing the yellowish dentin layer to show through
• Heredity
• Trauma that affect or damage the tooth nerves, such as falls or accidents
• Exposure to excessive fluoride (fluorosis)
• Insufficient dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing to remove staining substances
• Dental work, including mercury fillings or root canals that affect part of the tooth nerve tissue or pulp
• Heat or cold in beverages or foods, which can cause tiny tooth fractures

Some tooth discoloration is avoidable. For example, actions such as stopping smoking or using other tobacco products as well as limiting staining foods and drinks in the diet will help keep teeth from deteriorating and staining. Of course, this is easier said than done for many people, and sometimes tooth whitening is the best course of action to brighten up a smile.  

The Colonial Dental Group offers a variety of tooth whitening options, from professional at-home customized trays or in-office treatments to more permanent options like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

If you live in the Chicago area or plan to visit the area soon and would like to learn more about the different ways to brighten your smile, please contact the whitening experts at Colonial Dental Group for your consultation.