Tooth discolouration falls into two main categories: extrinsic (surface) stains and intrinsic (internal) discolouration.
Extrinsic stains are caused by things that come into contact with your tooth enamel — coffee, tea, red wine, certain foods, tobacco, and even some mouthwashes. These stains sit on or within the outer enamel layer and often respond well to professional cleaning and whitening.
Intrinsic discolouration occurs within the tooth structure itself and can result from factors including natural ageing (as enamel thins and the yellowish dentine layer becomes more visible), childhood exposure to certain antibiotics like tetracycline, excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, trauma to a tooth, or previous dental treatments. Some intrinsic discolouration responds to whitening, while other types may be better addressed with cosmetic options like veneers or bonding.
At Dental Folk, we always start by understanding what's causing your discolouration before recommending any treatment. We'll show you close-up images of your teeth so you can see exactly what we're working with — because understanding the "why" helps you make the best decision about the "what."