Milk teeth or primary teeth in small children are always whiter and brighter than adult teeth that follow, these teeth continue to become darker with mineral changes, and as the enamel gets more porous less. Dark-coloured beverages and foods, bacteria, acidic substances, tobacco, and various antibiotics contribute to discoloured enamel, as well as tiny cracks on the teeth by use and age.
The types of enamel stains are intrinsic and extrinsic, both types caused by ageing, trauma, excessive fluoride in childhood or exposure to tetracycline. Extrinsic stains are on the tooth surface, whereas intrinsic stains are rooted deep in the structure of the teeth. Tiny cracks on the teeth result from our everyday use of the teeth, and these cracks get filled with debris and stains.
