What you eat and drink plays a significant role in the colour of your teeth. Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as certain foods such as curry, soy sauce, and berries, can stain teeth over time. These foods contain pigments that can attach to the enamel and cause discolouration, especially if consumed regularly. While the occasional cup of coffee won’t cause much harm, frequent consumption can lead to noticeable stains.

Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the most common causes of yellow or brown stains on teeth. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products not only stain the surface of your teeth but can also seep into the enamel, making it harder to remove. Over time, this leads to deep and persistent discolouration, which can be difficult to reverse without professional treatment.

As we age, the enamel that protects our teeth naturally thins. Enamel is the hard, white outer layer of the tooth, and as it wears down, the dentin beneath – a yellowish tissue – becomes more visible. This natural process can cause teeth to appear more yellow over time. Additionally, older adults may have accumulated more surface stains, further contributing to discolouration.

Certain medications can also lead to teeth discolouration. For instance, some antibiotics, like tetracycline, can cause staining, particularly when taken during childhood while the teeth are still developing. Other medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs, may also lead to staining or a dull, greyish appearance of the teeth. If you’re on long-term medication, it’s important to discuss its potential effects on your dental health with your dentist.

Genetics can play a role in the natural colour of your teeth. Some people are born with enamel that is naturally more porous, making it more susceptible to staining or discolouration. Additionally, the thickness of enamel can vary from person to person; those with thinner enamel may find that their teeth appear more yellow, as the underlying dentin shows through more clearly.

Inadequate oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of tooth discolouration. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar, which is a yellowish or brown substance that discolours teeth. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist, and its buildup contributes to ongoing staining and the general dullness of teeth. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can further affect the appearance of your teeth.