What Should You Know About Tooth Discoloration?

Written by Nichole Owens
Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan, DDS on August 16, 2025
8 min read

Any change to the color of your tooth is discoloration, also called a stain. There are lots of reasons your tooth can change color. And if your tooth is discolored, it doesn't look as bright or white as it did before. The darker stain can range from yellow to brown or even black. The color can be in one spot, your entire tooth, or many teeth.

Every tooth is actually a different color — no single tooth is alike. How well you care for your teeth (oral hygiene), certain medical conditions, and lifestyle choices impact your tooth color.

What are the types of teeth stains (intrinsic vs. extrinsic)?

Your teeth can get stained two main ways, from outside factors or conditions inside your teeth.

Extrinsic stains.The stains aren't as deep because the color stays in the outer tooth layer called the enamel. Some stains from outside your body can include: 

  • Foods
  • Drinks
  • Mouthwash
  • Tobacco
  • Alcohol
  • Bacteria

Intrinsic stains. Stains that discolor the deeper layers of your tooth are usually caused by:

  • Older age
  • Bleeding inside your tooth
  • Medications
  • Other health conditions

There are many causes of tooth discoloration, including:

Foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth.

Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.

Poor dental hygiene. Brush, floss, and rinse twice a day to remove plaque and stain-producing substances.

Disease. Many conditions can discolor your enamel and dentin (layer under the enamel). And certain treatments can also discolor your teeth, such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy. During pregnancy, some infections can stain your baby's teeth because they impact enamel development.

Medications.Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can discolor teeth when given to children before the age 8. Chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride found in some mouthwashes can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medicines also discolor your teeth.

Dental materials.Your dentist uses some materials, such as silver sulfide-containing fillings (amalgam restorations) that can cast a gray-black color to teeth.

Bleaching. Tiny leaky spots in your teeth can cause staining from certain bleach methods. So always talk to your dentist to make sure your teeth are fully restored before bleaching. 

Aging. The outer layer of your teeth can wear down and stain as you get older. Your enamel gets thinner and yellow-colored dentin can show through.

Genetics. Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.

Environment.Naturally high fluoride levels in the water, or too much fluoride in your applications, rinses, toothpaste, and oral supplements can stain your teeth.

Trauma. Damage from a fall can disturb how your enamel forms when you're younger because your teeth are still developing. Trauma can also discolor adult teeth, too.

Causes of tooth discoloration by color

How the color of your teeth changes may help point to the cause:

Yellow. As you age, the white enamel surface of your teeth may wear down to show the yellow core of your teeth.

Brown. Tobacco, dark beverages such as tea or coffee, and poor brushing habits can cause tooth decay, which turn your teeth brown.

White. As young teeth develop, too much fluoride can cause white spots (fluorosis). It happens when your teeth come in contact with too much fluoride from drinking water, fluoride rinses, or toothpastes.

Black. Tooth decay or tooth pulp necrosis may turn your teeth grayish or black. Chewing betel nuts can also turn teeth black. Minerals such as iron, manganese, or silver in industrial settings or from any supplements can also create a black line on your tooth.

Purple. Red wine can stain the enamel of your teeth to the color of your beverage.

Blue. The antibiotic, tetracycline, isn't usually given for a long time. But in the past, it could stain your teeth yellow, yellow-brown, dark-grey, or blue.

If your teeth have stains that are getting in the way of a great smile, fight back. You've got lots of ways to brighten them up and keep the shine from going away. 

Treatment options to whiten teeth can depend on the cause of the discoloration.

Brush and floss your teeth 

Brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. All three can help you fight plaque — the white, hard substance that sticks to your teeth and gives stains something to hold on to.

Avoid food and beverages that cause stains

Things you eat or drink that can leave a mark on your hands can also stain your choppers. That's why it's a good idea to brush or rinse your mouth with water after you've enjoyed them. Stain makers to watch out for include:

  • Coffee or tea
  • Tobacco
  • Soda
  • Red and white wine
  • Grape or cranberry juice
  • Blueberries
  • Beets
  • Soy sauce
  • Tomato sauce

Use an over-the-counter whitening agent

You can try some over-the-counter whitening agents to brighten your teeth a few shades. But for some people, sensitivity is a side effect that usually goes away after they’re done bleaching. Talk to your dentist if you notice your gums are still sensitive or irritated.

Use an in-home whitening agent

You can also opt for an in-home whitening kit that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Your dentist will teach you how to apply the bleaching agent to your teeth. But you’ll complete the process at home, usually after about two weeks.

Get your teeth bleached

This in-office whitening procedure is done by your dentist over one or more visits. A protective gel or rubber shield protects your gums before the bleaching agent is applied to your teeth. Your dentist can also make a custom-fitted tray that you can use at home with whitening gel.

Get dental bonding

A plastic resin material is fused to the stained areas of your teeth. Dental bonding can also fix chipped teeth and match the color of nearby teeth. The plastic resin can be mixed to change the color or shape of your tooth.

Get veneers

Veneers are custom shells made of plastic composite or porcelain to cover your teeth. Your dentist can put veneers over the entire front of your tooth to change the color or shape.

Ask your dental hygienist to clean your teeth every six months. Regular cleaning is just one lifestyle change that helps keep your mouth healthy to give you a brighter smile.

Lifestyle changes that may help prevent teeth discoloration

Here are some ways you can keep your teeth whiter:

  • Use a straw to enjoy soda, juice, iced coffee, or tea, and keep the liquid away from the visible front surfaces of your teeth. 
  • Avoid smoking or drinking wine.
  • Add milk or cream to lighten up your coffee and neutralize any acid that might stain. 
  • Stick to only three acidic or sugary snacks a day, and only at meals.
  • Chew sugar-free gum with Xylitol, a substance to help fight cavities and increase saliva to naturally rid your mouth of acid, food particles, and strengthen your oral health.
  • Avoid charcoal toothpaste because the dark particles can stick inside cracks of your teeth or restorations.

If you're unsure why your teeth are discolored and other symptoms show up, see your dentist. They can help you figure out what's going on.

If cleanings and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you can also try these:

  • Brush with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed with salt twice a week to help remove surface stains.
  • Invest in an electric toothbrush to get whiter teeth and a deeper clean between dental cleanings.
  • Use a low-concentration rinse of 3% or less of hydrogen peroxide to help lighten teeth over time.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables like strawberries, carrots, and celery may naturally remove plaque and surface stains. Some contain enzymes that may help clean your teeth, too. 

Although some people use oil pulling, charcoal, and vinegar for teeth whitening, there isn't enough evidence to prove how well these work. 

"Natural methods are mostly useful for extrinsic (surface-level) stains only," says Sandip Sachar, DDS, the founder and owner of Sachar Dental in New York City. "They won't help intrinsic (deep or internal) discoloration caused by trauma, medication, or aging."

Home remedies and natural ways to whiten your teeth only work to a point. And abrasive particles may also harm your teeth over time. 

"Some of these remedies can wear down enamel if used too often or too harshly," Sachar says. "Always talk to a dentist before starting any whitening routine, even natural ones."

Tooth discoloration is common and can be uncomfortable for some people, but it's treatable. 

"Rather than feeling embarrassed, try to start a conversation with your dentist," says Anita Aminoshariae, DDS, director of predoctoral endodontics at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland. "Understanding the cause is key, and treatment doesn't always mean whitening. Sometimes, reassurance is the best medicine."

Healthy teeth come in many colors but discoloration can stain the outer surface (extrinsic) or deeper structures (intrinsic) of your teeth. You can brighten your smile using good dental hygiene, natural remedies, lifestyle choices, or over-the-counter teeth whitening products. If your stains are darker, talk to your dentist about dental bonding, veneers, or professional whitening.

Can a discolored tooth be restored?

Extrinsic discoloration can be restored with professional whitening, bonding, a veneer, or a crown. With intrinsic stains, your dentist will first repair your tooth before bleaching it internally. 

How much does it cost to fix tooth discoloration?

To fix a tooth discoloration, it can cost:

  • $20-$100 for an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit
  • $925-$2500 per tooth for a veneer
  • $650 per session for an in-office teeth whitening session
  • $300-$600 per tooth for dental bonding; but if you have insurance, some of the cost may be covered.

But you can also look for more affordable ways to cover your dental costs at dental school clinics, community health clinics, and dental savings plans and membership programs. 

Can a dead discolored tooth be whitened?

Yes, your dentist can whiten a dead tooth by bleaching the structures inside the tooth. They can also bleach the outside of the tooth if needed. 

What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration?

Many vitamin deficiencies can cause teeth discoloration, but some common ones include:

  • Vitamin A deficiency can lead to enamel damage.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, dry mouth, and lowered ability to fight bacteria in your mouth; the extra plaque can stain your teeth.
  • Vitamin D deficiency can impact how well your teeth harden, causing white or yellow-brown spots.