Tooth discoloration is when the color of your teeth changes. They might appear yellowed or less bright, or they may develop white or dark flecks. Causes include tobacco use, dental trauma, poor oral hygiene and certain foods, drinks and medications. Whitening treatments, bonding and veneers are just a few treatment options.
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Tooth discoloration refers to the staining or darkening of your teeth. Instead of the pearly white smile most of us want, one or more teeth may become yellow, brown, purple or gray. Some causes are unavoidable — like aging, disease or injury. Other causes are preventable — like smoking and poor oral hygiene.
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There are two main types:
There are ways to fix tooth discoloration — both at the dentist’s office and at home — depending on what’s causing it.
Avoidable tooth discoloration causes include:
Unavoidable tooth discoloration causes include:
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Sometimes, the color of tooth stains helps pinpoint the cause:
Dentists use different tooth discoloration treatments depending on the underlying cause and whether the stains affect the outer or inner layers of your teeth.
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.
In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks. There are pros and cons to each. Ask your dentist which option is right for you.
Your dentist may recommend dental bonding if you have deep tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening. They’ll apply tooth-colored composite resin to hide discolored teeth.
You’ll probably need touch-ups every five to seven years. Dental bonding might not be the best option if you have several discolored teeth.
You may want to consider porcelain veneers if you have widespread tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening. These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently glues them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration.
A dentist may have to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years. Veneers aren’t reversible.
Your dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have weakened or decayed teeth in addition to discoloration.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. Dental crowns help improve the health, function and appearance of your teeth.
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You can find over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening treatments in any oral health aisle. These products include rinses, pastes, strips and do-it-yourself bleaching trays.
Some over-the-counter products are safe and effective. But others can damage your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and erosion. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist before making a purchase.
In general, ingredients to avoid include:
When shopping for teeth whitening products, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that experts have tested them and deemed them safe for use.
You can’t prevent all causes of tooth discoloration. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of everyday surface discoloration:
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In many cases, tooth discoloration is mostly about how your teeth look. You may not need to do anything from an oral health standpoint. But if discolored teeth make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, cosmetic dentistry treatments can help.
If you have other symptoms in combination with tooth discoloration — like pain, bad breath, bleeding gums or holes in your teeth — schedule an appointment with a dentist right away. Treating these issues early can help you avoid more serious ones in the future.
When just one tooth changes color, it’s often because of tooth decay or an injury to that tooth. When the nerve inside a tooth dies, it can suddenly turn gray.
If you have a discolored tooth from an injury, don’t assume it will heal on its own. The color may be a sign of a bruise inside the tooth or nerve damage. Either way, you’ll need to see a dentist. The good news is that in many cases, dental treatment can restore damaged teeth. But you’ll need a dental assessment to know for sure.
Tooth color varies widely from person to person. Just because your teeth are a different color from someone else’s doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. But if you have discoloration that bothers you or makes you feel self-conscious, a dentist can help you find ways to brighten your smile.
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Dentistry plays an important role in oral health. Cleveland Clinic’s experts can design a personalized plan that will keep you smiling for the long haul.
Last reviewed on 07/03/2025.
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