Are Tooth Stains Genetic?

Everyone seems to dream of having a bright, white smile – just like the ones we see in movies and TV shows. However, we didn’t all maintain the perfectly bright smile that we wanted. Discoloration can be caused by all sorts of factors, including tobacco use, drinking pigmented beverages, and aging. You may be wondering if tooth stains have a genetic component as well. Read on to learn about how genetics can play a role in the appearance of your smile.

Which Genetic Conditions Can Cause Discoloration?

Two different types of genetic conditions can cause inherited tooth staining or discoloration:

• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: This inherited genetic condition causes grayish, transparent tooth enamel and weak, brittle teeth. This can affect either primary teeth or permanent teeth.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: This is another inherited condition that’s caused by genetic mutations. It causes yellow-brown tooth discoloration and soft, fragile enamel that’s prone to grooving and pitting. This condition can also increase your risk of tooth decay, chipping, cracking, and breaking.

How Else Can Genetics Affect the Teeth?

Even if you aren’t suffering from a genetic condition that causes tooth discoloration, genetics can still affect the color of a person’s teeth. Thick, white enamel runs in families, as does thin, more transparent tooth enamel. If you naturally develop teeth that are more on the yellow side, you may not respond well to store-bought teeth whitening. There are two different types of staining:

• Extrinsic Staining: Extrinsic tooth discoloration is usually caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco use.
• Intrinsic Staining: This type of staining is much more difficult to treat because it’s present below the enamel. This can be caused by certain medical conditions and medications.

How Can Genetic Staining Be Treated?

If you suffer from tooth discoloration, the good news is that you have a few different options. Professional teeth whitening is generally the first thing to consider. Store-bought teeth whitening doesn’t usually provide great results but whitening from your dentist is much stronger and more effective at lifting stains.

If you have a genetic condition that resulted in weak, discolored teeth, a restoration may be able to help you get the whiter smile you’ve been hoping for. This includes the use of dental crowns, dental veneers, cosmetic bonding, and more! By working with your dentist, you can come up with a plan that is best able to help you meet your smile goals.

You don’t need to settle for tooth discoloration. Talk to your dentist about your options. This way, you will be showing off a beautiful white smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. After attending dental school in the Dominican Republic and working as a dental hygienist, she attended the Columbia School of Dental Medicine. She also received state-of-the-art training in dental implant placement from the University of Florida and is a proud member of the New York Dental Association and the American Dental Association. To learn more about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental options or to schedule an appointment at her office in New York, visit her website or call (212) 388-1170.