Concerned about your teeth’s color? You’re not alone. Many people worry about tooth discolouration and how it affects their smile. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why teeth change colour, how to prevent it, and what dental treatments can help bring back your bright smile.
Why Do Teeth Change Colour?
Teeth can lose their sparkle for several reasons. Understanding these causes can help you take better care of your smile.
1. Everyday Habits (Extrinsic Discolouration)
Our daily routines can have a big impact on the colour of our teeth:

- Food and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries are common culprits. These beverages and foods contain chromogens, pigmented molecules that cling to tooth enamel. Over time, these can cause noticeable staining.
- Smoking: Tobacco is a major offender when it comes to teeth discolouration. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes create stubborn stains. Smokers often find their teeth developing yellow or brown discolouration over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and stain-producing substances to linger on your teeth. This can lead to discoloration and other dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
2. What’s Happening Inside Your Teeth (Intrinsic Discolouration)
Sometimes, the change in tooth colour comes from within. This type of discolouration can be more challenging to address:
- Injuries: A bump or fall can cause your tooth to react by laying down more dentin, the darker layer under the enamel. This can make the tooth appear darker or discoloured compared to its neighbours.
- Certain Medications: Some antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and doxycycline, can affect tooth colour when given to children whose teeth are still developing. Antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and blood pressure medications can also cause tooth darkening.
- Too Much Fluoride: While fluoride benefits teeth, excessive exposure during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis. This condition typically appears as white spots or streaks on the teeth.
3. The Natural Aging Process
We naturally lose the whiteness of our teeth as we age.This occurs for a couple of causes:
- The outer layer of enamel gets thinner over time, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. This process is gradual but can become noticeable as we age.
- Years of eating, drinking, and living life take their toll on our teeth’s colour. Even if you maintain good oral hygiene, some degree of yellowing over time is normal.
How Can You Prevent Teeth Discoloration?
Good news! There are plenty of ways to keep your smile bright. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help maintain a whiter smile:
- Brush and Floss Daily: This is your first defence against discolouration. This serves as your initial protection against tooth discoloration. Make sure to brush your teeth at least two times each day and use dental floss once . This helps get rid of plaque and stops stains from becoming permanent. You might want to think about using an electric toothbrush, as it can clean your teeth more .
- Watch What You Eat and Drink: While you don’t have to give up your favourite foods and drinks entirely, moderation is key. Try to limit staining substances, and when you do indulge, consider these tips:
- Use a straw when drinking beverages like coffee or soda to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking things that can stain. Right after you have foods or beverages that discolor your mouth, give it a quick rinse with water.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, which can help clean your teeth naturally.
- Quit Smoking: This is a big one. Not only will quitting smoking benefit your overall health, but it will also prevent tobacco stains from yellowing your teeth. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about cessation programs.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Professional cleanings can remove stubborn stains and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t handle. Aim for a check-up and cleaning every six months or as your dentist recommends.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to staining and decay.
Treatments for Discoloured Teeth
If your teeth are already showing signs of discolouration, don’t worry. There are several effective treatments available to help restore your bright smile:
1. Professional Teeth Whitening

You can brighten your smile quickly and effectively. At Bundall Dental and Implants, we offer in-office whitening that can make your teeth several shades lighter in just one visit. Here’s what you can expect:
- The process typically takes about an hour.
- We use a high-concentration whitening gel, often activated by a special light.
- Results are immediate, with teeth often becoming 3-8 shades lighter.
- The treatment is safe when performed by professionals and can be customized to your sensitivity level.
.2. At-Home Whitening Kits
For those who prefer a more gradual approach or want to maintain their white smile after in-office treatment, we offer professional-grade at-home whitening kits:
- We create custom-fitted trays for your teeth to ensure even application and minimize gum irritation.
- You’ll receive professional-strength whitening gel to use with the trays.
- The treatment is typically done for a couple of hours each day or overnight for 1-2 weeks.
- This method lets you control the whitening process and touch up as needed.
3. Veneers
For more stubborn discolouration or if you want to address other cosmetic issues along with colour, veneers are an excellent option:
- Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted, thin shells designed specifically for your teeth.
- They can dramatically improve your teeth’ colour, shape, and overall appearance.
- The process usually requires two to three visits to complete.
- Veneers are long-lasting and stain-resistant, providing a permanent solution to discolouration.
4. Dental Bonding
This is a great option for small areas of discolouration or for those looking for a more affordable alternative to veneers:
- We apply a tooth-coloured resin material to your tooth and shape it to improve its appearance.
- The resin is hardened using a special light, which bonds it to the tooth
- This procedure can usually be done in one appointment.
- While less long-lasting than veneers, bonding can be an effective way to address localised discolouration.
How Bundall Dental and Implants Can Help
At Bundall Dental and Implants, we understand how important a bright smile is to you. Let our team help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer:
- Treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals
- The latest in teeth whitening technology for safe and effective results
- Expert cosmetic dental procedures, including veneers and bonding
- Friendly, professional dental care in a comfortable environment
- Comprehensive consultations to discuss your options and expected outcomes
Our expert dentists will assess your case, considering the cause and extent of discoloration, your overall oral health, and personal preference. We then go on to recommend the best option for you. To learn more, read about ‘Teeth Whitening for a Brighter Smile.
Don’t let yellow teeth box you in from letting your teeth shine with confidence. There is a whiter smile just a visit away! Ready for a brighter smile? Schedule an appointment or give us a call at Bundall Dental. Together, let’s create a smile that you’ll be proud to show the world!
Remember, your smile is most people’s first impression of you. An investment in your dental health and aesthetics can make a huge difference to your confidence while leaving lasting positive impressions. Here at Bundall Dental and Implants, we strive to help our patients attain and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile they can proudly show the world.