Despite following excellent oral hygiene practices, many people find it impossible to achieve pearly white teeth. This could be because of genetics or from previous trauma, but it’s often from stains caused by certain foods, beverages, or even medications. The important thing to keep in mind is that without addressing what’s causing teeth to turn yellow, whitening toothpastes or treatments won’t be as effective, and certainly won’t last as long as they should. 

For those wondering, “Should I whiten my teeth?”, it’s best to find out why they are stained in the first place.  

The Most Common Types of Stains on Teeth

There are two main types of teeth stains: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are stains that come from external (outside) sources that affect the color of the teeth’s enamel. A good rule of thumb is that if something can stain clothes, it can also stain teeth. Intrinsic stains cause teeth to become yellow from internal causes that start from inside the teeth.

Common causes of extrinsic stains include:

Beverages Even if you brush every morning and night, teeth can take on a yellow tint from drinking red wine, coffee, sports drinks, black tea, or cola. These all have a deep color that quickly settles into the enamel. And if you think it’s safe to drink clear sugary sodas like Sprite instead, think again. The sugar and acid in all soda eats away at the teeth’s protective enamel – making them more susceptible to staining from other foods and drinks.

Foods Vitamin-rich berries, beets, and tomato-based sauces are packed with nutrients, but they also contain a pigment that causes their deep color — making them likely to stain teeth. Other  culprits likely to dull the color of teeth include soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and curry. These foods can still be eaten, but it’s best to brush right after eating them to reduce staining.

Smoking Nicotine and tar in tobacco cause yellow and brown stains on teeth. Smoking can also weaken and damage tooth enamel, making it more porous and susceptible to staining from other foods and beverages.

Common reasons for intrinsic stains include:

Medications Some antibiotics like tetracycline, as well as other medicines, can permanently change the color of teeth. The chemicals in them penetrate deep into the tooth, changing its makeup and color. If you notice your teeth becoming more yellow after beginning a new medication, ask your doctor if that could be a reason — and see if there is an alternative.

Decay or Trauma When the pulp on the inside of a tooth is damaged, it’s likely to cause yellowing or graying of the tooth. This can happen when a cavity goes unaddressed and bacteria gets inside the tooth, causing an infection called pulpitis. Yellowing can also happen when a tooth is injured and the nerves die, causing discoloration. If you have one tooth that is more yellow or darker than others, make an appointment with a dentist who can diagnose the reason and provide treatment if needed.

Genetics and Aging Some people’s teeth are just more likely to have a yellow hue because it runs in the family. And as we age, enamel naturally gets thinner, exposing the layer of dentin underneath – which is yellowish in color. Because thin enamel is less likely to respond to whitening treatments, dental veneers may be a better solution for changing the color of the teeth.

When Should I Whiten My Teeth? Hint: Eliminate the Cause of Stains First

While it’s tempting to buy whitening strips, use whitening toothpaste, or schedule a whitening treatment, making lifestyle changes first will improve results and keep teeth whiter for longer. 

If you have staining due to smoking, quitting should be a priority not only for whiter teeth but for your health. And if you consume foods and drinks that are known to discolor teeth, try to eliminate or at least reduce them in your diet. Continuing to eat or drink them after whitening will only create more stains. 

If you can’t change your diet, make sure to brush right after consuming things that can stain your teeth. Or, at the minimum, rinse your mouth with water until you can brush. Chewing sugarless gum can also help to prevent stains on teeth, as it stimulates saliva, which cleanses your mouth.

Finally, make sure to schedule a professional dental cleaning every six months since this is the best way to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that cause discoloration. A dentist will also be able to address any intrinsic stains and provide treatment if needed.