5 Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Zoom Teeth Whitening in Downtown Los Angeles

Everyone wants a bright, white smile—but everyday habits, aging, and even medications can take a toll on the color of your teeth. Discoloration is incredibly common and can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance.

The good news? At Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, we offer Zoom Teeth Whitening in Downtown Los Angeles—a fast, powerful solution that lifts years of stains and restores brilliance to your smile in under an hour.

Before scheduling your whitening treatment, it’s important to understand what causes stained or yellowed teeth—and how Zoom can help.


Top 5 Reasons Your Teeth May Be Discolored

1. Dark Beverages

Coffee, tea, red wine, soda—even some juices—contain pigments that cling to tooth enamel. The rule of thumb: if it can stain your shirt, it can stain your smile. These drinks are acidic too, which can wear away enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to staining.

Tip: Use a straw when drinking dark liquids and rinse with water afterward to minimize staining.


2. Medications

Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can lead to tooth discoloration. Common culprits include:

  • Tetracycline or minocycline antibiotics (especially in children)

  • Antihistamines

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Antipsychotics

If you’ve noticed changes in tooth color after starting a medication, let your dentist know during your consultation.


3. Excessive Fluoride

While fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities, too much of it—especially during early childhood—can lead to a condition called fluorosis. This results in white or brown spots on the teeth.

High fluoride levels may come from:

  • Overuse of fluoridated toothpaste

  • Drinking water with high fluoride content

  • Swallowing fluoride supplements


4. Aging and Genetics

As we age, enamel naturally thins, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through. This can make teeth look dull or discolored. Genetics also play a role—some people are born with naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.

Zoom whitening is ideal for reversing age-related discoloration quickly and safely.


5. Poor Oral Hygiene

Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque, tartar, and stains from food and drinks build up on your teeth. This not only impacts your smile’s brightness—it also contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.

To maintain a whiter smile after treatment, stay consistent with daily oral hygiene and schedule professional cleanings every six months.


What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?

Zoom Whitening is a professional, in-office treatment designed to whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades in a single visit. At Smile LA, we start with a consultation and teeth cleaning to ensure optimal results.

How It Works:

  • A high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth.

  • A special Zoom LED light is used to activate the gel and accelerate whitening.

  • Treatment is completed in 3–4 sessions, each lasting 15–20 minutes.

The process is safe, quick, and produces immediate, long-lasting results with minimal sensitivity.


Get a Whiter Smile—Fast

You don’t have to live with stained or discolored teeth. Whether your discoloration is caused by coffee, aging, or genetics, Zoom Teeth Whitening at Smile LA can help you regain a bright, confident smile in just one visit.

📞 Call us today at (213) 336-8478 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation in Downtown Los Angeles, or book online now.