An in-depth article that provides details on the main types of tooth discoloration and how these types of discolorations are formed.

1. Advice about tooth discoloration from Dr Mark Walker
Over the last decade the popularity of in-office and at home teeth whitening treatments has
grown immensely, in the US alone the market for over the counter teeth whiteners exceeds
$1.4 billion USD annually, not accounting for tooth whitening procedures done in dental offices.
Despite at home whitening kits and in-office procedures being fundamentally different, they
have the same goal. Both are meant to remove stains, which also reduces and prevents further
discoloration or staining.
Even though, over the counter home whiteners are cheaper than having the procedure done by
a dental professional, most dental health experts recommend asking your dentist if it as an
appropriate addition to your oral health care routine, especially patients with extensive dental
work, or those with persisting and pre-existing oral health issues.
There are three types of discoloration, each present a unique challenge when it comes
treatment.
1. Extrinsic Discoloration — Refers to staining of the exterior or outer layer of the tooth
known as the enamel. These stains are created by the consumption of foods and drinks like
coffee, wine, cola, etc. Extrinsic stains are easy to treat in their early stages, but can become
more difficult as the discoloration progresses.
Smoking also causes extrinsic stains, these deeper stains caused by the tar and nicotine are
often harder to remove than simple tooth discoloration caused by food and drinks.
“These substances are able to leach their way into microscopic openings in our enamel,
resulting in a yellow/brown discoloration of the tooth surface,” wrote Erin Stelbrink, a

2. Registered Dental Hygienist with Smile Brilliant. “Tobacco stains are more stubborn than most
other surface stains, and therefore take longer to remove.”
2. Intrinsic Discoloration — Happens when the inner structure of the tooth referred to as
dentin darkens or exhibits a yellow tint. Intrinsic discoloration can be caused by excessive
exposure to fluoride during childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the
second half of pregnancy, as well as, the use of tetracycline during childhood in children 8 years
old and younger.
“Intrinsic discoloration is a little trickier to treat than surface extrinsic staining,” said Ontario
dentist Mark Walker. “Extensive whitening treatments may be needed, and in extreme cases
fillings may even been required.”
3. Age-related Discoloration — Is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration and
is partial brought on by aging process and the wearing away of the tooth’s protective enamel
surface. Enamel gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through, this softer
surface is more susceptible to staining and discoloration.
“Aside from stains caused by foods, beverages and smoking, the dentin also naturally yellows
over time,” explained Ontario-based dentist, Mark Walker.
Walker also pointed out that, chips and other injuries to a tooth are areas that are more prone
to discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged.
While tooth whitening is designed to remove discoloration and staining of the tooth, learning to
avoid or reduce foods and habits that cause tooth discoloration can save you time and money
and keep your pearly whites glistening between dental visits.