Tooth stains are often the results of external factors such as drinking coffee, wine, cola, certain fruit juices, eating berries and tomato sauces, and smoking. Teeth are porous; they have microscopic holes in them. So the staining agents in your foods and beverages can seep into the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth, causing discoloration. To reduce such stains, I recommend that you brush and floss your teeth right after eating foods that can cause discoloration. If that’s not possible, you should, at least, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. In some cases, tooth discoloration occurs due to internal factors such as one’s genetic and medical conditions. And some antibiotics are known to cause teeth discoloration in children. Chemotherapy can also can affect the color of your teeth. Aging is also a factor that contributes to tooth discoloration; over time your enamel layer gets thinner, thus revealing the yellow-colored dentin layer. Certain dental procedures such as amalgam fillings and root canal can cause discoloration, too. If your tooth had a root canal done, it might look a little darker, compared to your other teeth. There are various treatment options for discolored teeth, including over-the-counter whitening strips, light-activated whitening systems, dental bonding, internal bleaching, cosmetic veneers and porcelain crowns. If you’re concerned about discolored teeth, you should consult your dentist.