Our tooth enamel is the hardest tissue on the human body, but it is also slightly porous. When we drink a cup of coffee or eat a bowl of blueberries, some of the color penetrates our enamel and stays. Unlike a stain on a shirt, over time, the stains accumulate and our teeth become a little dingy. This type of staining responds really well to teeth whitening. Another type of staining that occurs in the dentin layer of the teeth that can happen from trauma to a tooth, as a reaction to tetracycline, or even from too much fluoride. These deep stains don’t respond the same to teeth whitening. For these types of cases, Dr. Velasco can correct the stained teeth with porcelain veneers. Here are the reasons your teeth aren’t as white as they once were: Food — Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, even dark chocolate have natural pigments in them that can stain the enamel of your teeth. Drink — Coffee, tea, red wine, cranberry and other dark juices, even cola soft drinks all can stain your teeth. Smoking — Nicotine and/or tobacco leave yellow stains on your teeth. Genes — The enamel on some people’s teeth is darker than others. Also some people have enamel that is more porous and stains easier. Fluorosis — If a child has too much fluoride, it can cause this condition, which stains the teeth. This staining is in the dentin. Drugs — In the 60s and 70s tetracycline was a heavily used antibiotic, especially in children. Unfortunately, in many kids it permanently discolored their teeth.