Discoloured Teeth
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-21-12Last update: 2009-13-07
Discoloured teeth are cosmetically undesirable and may indicate other problems.
Yellow discolouration may be due to the normal, age-related growth of dentine [which is itself yellow] which continues throughout adulthood. It’s also common for the canines to be generally more yellow than the incisors.
Yellow discolouration may also be caused by smoking or erosion.
Blue discolouration is often due to corrosion of an old amalgam filling. It can also be the result of a root canal procedure which has allowed blood from the nerve to colour the tooth.
Brown discolouration is mostly due to cavities, but it may also be caused by poorly mineralised teeth.