← All explanationsTooth discolouration

Is the colour on the tooth or inside it?

Tooth discolouration describes a change in tooth colour. Pigments may accumulate on the outside, or the colour may come from inside the tooth. This distinction affects treatment. A single tooth that newly becomes darker should first be examined.

For dental trainees & teams

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Colour may be on the surface

Tea, coffee and tobacco can contribute to surface stains. These deposits are different from the natural colour of the tooth.

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Colour may also come from within

Development, ageing or an injury can change tooth colour. One dark tooth may therefore need a different assessment from several stained teeth.

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Find the cause before changing the colour

Cleaning removes certain surface deposits. Whether whitening is suitable depends on findings. Fillings and crowns do not whiten like natural teeth during bleaching.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

Where can the colour be?

On the surface or within the tooth.

What should happen first?

Have the cause and tooth condition examined.

Does bleaching work on crowns?

Crowns and fillings do not whiten like natural tooth tissue.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): Is the colour on the tooth or inside it?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Discolouration or natural tooth colour?

Dentine and enamel together determine natural tooth colour. Not every yellowish shade is a removable deposit or a sign of disease.

Quick answers

Does a dark spot always mean decay?

No. Staining, caries and natural colour differences can look similar. Examination establishes what is present.

Why might a tooth darken after an accident?

Changes inside the tooth may affect its colour after injury. Colour alone does not prove whether the pulp is alive or has died.

Can all discolouration be treated the same way?

No. Location, cause and tooth condition determine the options. Changing the colour does not replace treatment of disease.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Are these surface deposits or a change inside the tooth?

Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.

A colour change can be assessed before whitening is planned.

Discuss tooth colourChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Extrinsic: Located on the outer tooth surface.
Intrinsic: Originating or deposited within hard tooth tissues.
Translucency: Partial light transmission that contributes to a tooth’s appearance.

Know the difference

Professional cleaning and bleaching are different procedures. Intrinsic colour changes also need their cause assessed first.

Knowledge questionWhat does intrinsic discolouration mean?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

A colour change within the tooth.
Only a food remnant that can be wiped off.
Any stained resin filling.

Show answer and explanation

A colour change within the tooth.

Intrinsic describes a location within hard tooth tissues, not a particular treatment.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.