The colour of your tooth is a strong indicator of how well you maintain your oral health and hygiene. The whiter your teeth are, the more confident you are likely to feel. However, according to Dr Bipin Upadhyay, Consultant Dentist and Oral Medicine Specialist, K J Somaiya Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, tooth colour goes beyond aesthetics. He says, “Healthy teeth tend to have a bright white hue with slight natural colour variation, but unexpected or consistent discolouring at times can actually indicate underlying medical conditions.”
According to him, teeth that develop a brownish or blackened appearance could indicate advanced decay or a dead nerve, requiring prompt dental care to prevent infection. A grey tooth often suggests that the inner pulp has lost its blood supply, potentially due to past trauma. However, yellowing, greying, or browning of teeth may be both lifestyle and systemic health indications. Here’s everything you need to know.
Also Read: Is Your Lifestyle Causing Discoloured Teeth? Here’s What To Watch Out For
Medical Conditions Linked To Tooth Discolouration
Liver disease: "Diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can lead to a grey or green colouration of teeth and gums as a result of impaired bile pigment metabolism," says Dr Upadhyay. When the liver isn’t able to process bile pigments properly, it may cause a greyish or greenish tinge on the teeth and even the gums. This is a subtle but important sign that oral health can reflect what’s happening deeper in the body.
Diabetes: High blood sugar doesn’t just affect blood vessels and nerves; it also takes a toll on oral health. People with diabetes are more prone to gum infections, slower healing, and even staining of the teeth. The constant presence of excess sugar in the mouth creates an environment where bacteria thrive, making proper dental care especially important for diabetics.
Genetic disorders: “Some inherited diseases, such as dentinogenesis imperfecta, may make teeth look translucent or bluish-grey,” highlights Dr Upadhyay. Such conditions remind us how strongly genetics can shape dental health.
Chronic infections or drugs: Certain long-term illnesses and the medications used to treat them can leave their mark on teeth. For example, if tetracycline antibiotics are taken while teeth are still developing (in childhood or even during pregnancy), they can cause permanent brown or grey bands on the enamel, shares Dr Upadhyay. Similarly, chronic infections may alter oral health in ways that show up as discolouration over time.
Eating disorders: According to Dr Upadhyay, people living with bulimia often experience repeated episodes of vomiting, which exposes teeth to strong stomach acids. Over time, this erodes the protective enamel layer, making the yellow dentin underneath more visible. This is why the teeth of someone with bulimia may appear worn down and yellowed, and why dentists can sometimes be the first to notice early signs of an eating disorder.
Dietary Habits That May Be Staining Your Tooth
It is important to note that tooth discolouration rarely happens due to underlying medical conditions. The most common causes lie in your dietary and lifestyle habits and choices. Therefore, some of the common causes of tooth staining include:
- Smoking
- More-than-necessary tea/coffee consumption
- Chewing tobacco
- Aerated beverage intake
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Missing brushing or dental check-ups
According to Dr Upadhyay, controlling these habits requires moderation, replacing harmful habits with better ones, abstinence from tobacco, and hydration along with correct brushing and flossing practice.
Also Read: Oral Care: Expert Explains Tooth Polishing And Tooth Whitening And Their Affect On Your Oral Health
When To See A Doctor Vs. A Dentist?
Dr Upadhyay shares that consulting a dentist is usually the first step to take in case of tooth discolouration, since most causes are linked to oral health, diet, or smoking.
But if the discolouration is abrupt, extensive, or coupled with other signs and symptoms (like jaundice, anaemia, or vomiting), then it could be due to an underlying systemic disease referral to a doctor for assessment.
Conclusion
Tooth discolouration usually happens due to dietary choices, oral hygiene habits, and certain lifestyle habits. However, in cases where tooth discolouration is accompanied by symptoms such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice), fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, it could indicate underlying health problems. The best way to know is to consult a dentist first to rule out oral health issues and then a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.