Are Tooth Stains Hereditary?

Are you embarrassed by stained teeth? You’re not alone. Tooth discoloration is a common complaint among adults of all ages, but what’s to blame for brown or yellow teeth? Believe it or not, the color of your teeth can be influenced by genetics. Although it’s not the only culprit, discolored teeth can be hereditary. While you can’t change your DNA, your cosmetic dentist can reveal a white smile.

Genetic Conditions Can Lead to Discoloration

Certain genetic conditions can affect your teeth in many ways, including their color, like:

• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: The inherited condition can cause transparent enamel and other defects that can leave teeth weak or brittle.
• Amelogénesis Imperfecta: Teeth can be yellow-brown from the genetic condition. It’s not uncommon for teeth to have pits or grooves and be prone to chipping or cracking.

Common Causes of Tooth Stains

Other factors are more common causes of tooth stains than genetics, like:

• Family History: The color of your teeth can match that of a parent. 
• Age: Enamel thins with age, which causes more yellowish dentin to be visible.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Improper brushing and flossing habits can cause buildup and staining.
• Smoking: Tobacco can lead to tar and nicotine stains.
• Enamel Loss: Enamel loss will cause more dentin to show, making your teeth look yellow.
• Diet: Consuming stain-causing foods and drinks often can darken your enamel, like coffee, berries, or red wine.
• Irregular Dental Care: Not visiting your dentist enough can lead to tartar buildup that can make your teeth look dirty and aged.

Types of Tooth Stains

There are multiple types of discoloration, including:

• Intrinsic: Discoloration originates from within the tooth, which can make it difficult to treat.
• Extrinsic: Discoloration affects the surface of the tooth from outside factors, like smoking or drinking a lot of coffee.
• Age-Related: A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic stains can occur.

Whether genetics is the cause or an environmental factor, you can have a beautiful smile to be proud of with the help of your cosmetic dentist. 

Reveal White Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry

Surface and age-related stains can be treated with teeth whitening. A professional strength whitening agent can improve the color of your teeth by up to 8 shades. 

If discoloration is genetic or caused by the tooth structure, you may need another solution, like porcelain veneers. Veneers not only improve the color of teeth but also their size and shape. You can treat multiple issues at once using 1 minimally invasive procedure. 

You don’t have to hide behind tooth discoloration. You can invest in your self-esteem and professional image with teeth whitening.

About Dr. Ross Katkowski

Dr. Katkowski achieved his dental degree at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education to provide specialty services, like cosmetic dentistry. He strives to help each patient achieve their best smile using the latest innovations in dentistry. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, request an appointment through our website or call (860) 986-6476.