What Causes Brown Stains on Teeth?
Brown teeth stains and spots can appear on teeth for any number of reasons, including birthmarks on teeth and enamel hypoplasia Sometimes they show up somewhat suddenly and other times they appear gradually. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common causes of brown stains on or spots on your teeth below.
Tooth Decay
Cavities, a common cause of tooth stains and other tooth discoloration itself, often shows up as dark spots, black marks on teeth, brown stuff on teeth, or even a light brown spot on the tooth and can appear anywhere. This issue of cavities leading to brown stains is part of the broader concern of tooth discoloration, which encompasses various causes and treatments, and is not only a cosmetic condition.
Tartar
Plaque, a result of poor dental hygiene, is the buildup leftover from bacteria that isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, leading to brown build-up on teeth, stains on teeth, or brown stuff between teeth.
Enamel Erosion
A diet high in acidic foods, such as soda and sugary foods, can erode the outer layer of tooth enamel, and as this layer gradually thins out, the yellowish dentin layer beneath it becomes visible and causes the teeth to have a dull color or brown stains in teeth grooves.
Discoloration
Foods that are high in chromogens, which are dark pigments, or that contain tannic acid can lead to discolored teeth and permanently stain teeth and darken them over the years. Regular use of some tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, is also known to cause severe yellowing or browning of the outer surface of the teeth in heavy smokers, leading to brown spots on teeth near gums.
Other Health Conditions
Some health conditions have on very rare occasions been known to cause brown pits to form in the teeth. One of these is fluorosis, a condition caused by too much fluoride or overexposure to large quantities of fluoride, usually through polluted drinking water. Another instance is in those with celiac disease who often have weak tooth enamel, leading to dental enamel defects such as brown spots or bands on the teeth that can be permanent. Fortunately, nearly any sort of discoloration or extrinsic teeth stains on the teeth can be treated and improved through dental procedures. Today’s Dental offers a number of cosmetic services, including professional single-visit teeth whitening, take-home tooth whitening kits, and veneers, all of which will drastically improve the whiteness and overall appearance of your smile, effectively addressing badly stained teeth.