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Why Are My Teeth So Discolored?

Aug 18, 2025
Why Are My Teeth So Discolored?
Wondering why your teeth look dark or yellow? Read on for answers and discover how professional teeth whitening treatments can erase years of stains and restore your bright, white smile.

Tooth discoloration is one of the most common cosmetic concerns people have about their smiles. At Dental Blvd in Mission Hills, California, Shant Terteryan, DDS, understands how stained or discolored teeth can affect your confidence. Our team is here to help you reclaim your bright smile.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes tooth discoloration and how professional teeth whitening can make a dramatic difference.

Common causes of tooth discoloration

There’s no single reason teeth become dark, dingy, and discolored. Even if you’re brushing regularly, stains can still develop, since many types of discoloration happen beneath the surface, where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Here are some of the most common culprits:

Foods and beverages 

Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, and sauces like soy or tomato can stain your enamel.

Tobacco use 

Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of yellowing teeth and brown surface stains.

Poor oral hygiene 

Infrequent brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings allow plaque and tartar to build up.

Medications

Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications can discolor your teeth from the inside out.

Age 

As you get older, the enamel on your teeth wears down, revealing more of the yellow-colored dentin beneath.

Dental trauma 

Injury to a tooth can cause color changes.

When whitening toothpaste doesn’t do the job

You’ve probably tried over-the-counter whitening products. While they can help with very mild stains, they usually fall short when it comes to deeper discoloration. Here’s why:

  • Whitening strips and toothpaste are only powerful enough to remove surface stains
  • Drugstore kits don’t use professional-grade whitening agents
  • Results from store-bought options are short-lived or unsatisfactory

In addition to falling short of your goal to whiten your teeth, some over-the-counter products may irritate your gums and cause tooth sensitivity in the process.

How professional teeth whitening works

At Dental Blvd, we offer safe, fast, and highly effective professional teeth whitening to help restore your bright, beautiful smile. Unlike store-bought kits, our whitening treatments are customized to your needs and use stronger, professional solutions that penetrate deeply into the enamel to break up stubborn stains.

Here’s what you can expect with our professional whitening services:

  • Visible results after your first session
  • Safe application 
  • Protection for your gums and enamel
  • Custom trays that ensure even whitening across all of your teeth
  • Reduced risk of sensitivity 

Dr. Terteryan monitors your care each step of the way to ensure optimal results. He evaluates the cause of your discoloration, discusses your goals, and creates a plan to help you love your smile again.

Schedule your teeth whitening consultation today. Contact our office at 818-830-2828 or use our online scheduling feature at your convenience.