Restorative & Tooth Problems
Discoloured tooth
A tooth that looks darker or stained compared with its neighbours.
Surface stains
Food, drink, smoking
Deeper causes
Injury, ageing, medicines
One dark tooth
Often nerve-related
Options
Whitening, bonding, veneers
Overview
Teeth can discolour for many reasons. Surface stains build up from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, while deeper changes can come from ageing, certain medicines or an injury.
A single dark tooth often means the nerve inside has changed after trauma or decay. The right treatment depends on the cause.
What to know
- Surface stains come from food, drink and smoking
- Deeper colour change can follow injury or ageing
- A single dark tooth may have a nerve problem
- Whitening helps some stains but not all
- Bonding or veneers can cover deeper stains
Common questions
Why is just one tooth dark?
Often the nerve inside has changed after a knock or deep decay. Your dentist can check it.
Will whitening fix any stain?
No. Whitening works well on many stains but not on all, especially deeper or injury-related ones.
What causes general yellowing?
Thinning enamel with age lets the darker layer beneath show through, along with everyday staining.
How can deep stains be covered?
When whitening is not enough, bonding or veneers can mask the colour.
Related topics
Teeth whitening — in-chair
A professional whitening treatment done in a single visit.
Teeth whitening — take-home
Custom trays and gel to whiten your teeth gradually at home.
Veneers
Thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their look.
Composite (cosmetic) bonding
Tooth-coloured resin shaped onto teeth to improve their look.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026