What does it mean if your tooth turns brown?

There are several reasons why your tooth might turn brown. Here are some of the most common causes:

- Cavities: Cavities are an infection of the tooth that can cause it to turn brown or black. Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on the sugars in food and produce acids that attack the tooth's enamel. If cavities are not treated, they can spread to the pulp of the tooth and cause severe pain.

- Stains: Teeth can also become stained by certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Stains can also be caused by smoking or tobacco use.

- Trauma: If you have injured your tooth, it may turn brown or black due to bleeding inside the tooth. This is called internal tooth resorption. Internal tooth resorption can also occur after certain dental procedures, such as root canals.

- Age: As you age, your teeth may naturally become darker due to wear and tear.

- Certain Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can also cause teeth to turn brown, such as certain medications, medical treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy) and Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease, can also cause teeth to turn brown.

- Root canal treatment: If you have had a root canal, your tooth may turn brown over time due to the staining of the root canal filling material.

- Genetic Factors: Some people are more likely to have brown teeth due to genetics.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, talk to your dentist. They will be able to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration and recommend the best treatment option.