While lifestyle habits like coffee, tea, or smoking can stain teeth, sometimes discoloration isn’t caused by anything you do. Genetics can play a significant role in the natural color and thickness of your enamel. Some people are born with enamel that is naturally darker, thinner, or more translucent, which can make teeth appear yellow, gray, or unevenly colored.
In addition to enamel thickness, genetics can influence the underlying dentin—the layer beneath the enamel. Dentin naturally has a yellow hue, and when enamel is thin, more of the dentin shows through, making teeth appear darker. Certain inherited conditions can also affect enamel formation, leading to permanent discoloration that doesn’t respond well to typical whitening treatments.
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