7 things that can discolor your teeth
Learn how making certain lifestyle adjustments can help brighten your smile.
Jan, 2026
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The causes of tooth discoloration may surprise you. Your diet, lifestyle choices, and even your mouthwash can stain your smile. The bright side? There are a variety of ways to remove stains and whiten your teeth, including inexpensive, at-home remedies. Here's what to know.
Written byMichael Gollust.
Medically reviewed byMark Arredondo, MD.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic. Tooth Discoloration. Page last reviewed May 24 + 10
- Cleveland Clinic. Tooth Discoloration. Page last reviewed May 24, 2024.
- Cindy Zhou. When and how often should you brush your teeth? Mayo Clinic. Page last updated July 27, 2023.
- Patti Zielinski. How to Prevent “Wine Teeth” This Holiday. Rutgers Health. Page last updated December 6, 2023.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dental Plaque. Page last reviewed May 10, 2023.
- American Dental Association (ADA). Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth. Page accessed November 11, 2024.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Oral Hygiene. Page accessed November 11, 2024.
- American Dental Association (ADA). Brushing Your Teeth. Page accessed November 11, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. Chlorhexidine (oral route). Page last updated February 1, 2024.
- Wang J, Zou D, et al. Drug-induced tooth discoloration: An analysis of the US food and drug administration adverse event reporting system. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1161728. Published 2023 Apr 13.
- American Dental Association. Toothbrushes. Accessed January 8, 2024.
- American Dental Association (ADA). Smoking. Page accessed November 11, 2024.
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