Although yellow teeth are not necessarily as serious as other dental issues, they can affect your self-confidence and ability to smile every single day. It is easy to change the way you eat and drink, while also improving your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may recommend whitening. These are some of the most common causes and how to avoid them.
What causes yellow teeth?
- Smoking. Nicotine is not only an addictive substance, but it also leaves yellowish or brownish stains on your teeth (an additional reason to quit smoking).
- Foods. Many foods can stain teeth. The pigments found in tomato sauces, curry spices, and berries can stain teeth. Even healthy salads with balsamic vinaigrette dressing can leave a disconcerting color on your teeth.
- Drinks. Tea and coffee are the main causes of yellowing teeth. However, red and white wine are also a culprit. Sugary sodas, as well as sports drinks that have artificial flavors, are also culprits. These drinks cause enamel to become thin, allowing yellow dentin to show through.
- Discolouration. There are many diseases that can affect enamel and dentin. Tooth color can also be affected by certain treatments. Teeth discoloration can be caused by head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments. Tooth discoloration can also be caused by certain infections in pregnant women. This is because enamel development may be affected.
- Antibiotics. Children whose teeth are still growing (before age 8) are at risk of having their teeth discolored by the antibiotics tetracycline or doxycycline. Tooth washes and rinses with chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chlorineide can also cause staining. Teeth discoloration can also be caused by antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs and high blood pressure drugs.
- Fluorosis. Fluoride is good to teeth but too much fluoride can lead to yellowish or brownish spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste are the best sources of fluoride. If you are concerned that your child or you are taking too much fluoride through these sources, talk to your dentist.
- Injuries. An accident or physical trauma may crack the enamel of a tooth and cause damage to its interior. This can lead to discoloration, which could indicate bleeding that requires professional attention.
- Tooth grinding. Tooth-grinding is an unconscious behavior that some people develop when they are stressed, particularly while asleep. It’s also known as bruxism and can cause tooth enamel to crack, yellowing, and even death.
- Genetics. Sometimes tooth colour is inherited from the parents. It’s possible that you have yellow teeth if your parents have it. The four natural colors of white teeth are reddish brown, yellow, gray, and reddish grey. This range of depths of colour can vary from light to dark.
- Bad dental hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to discoloration.
- Dentin. Yellow teeth appear yellow when enamel is very thin and the dentin beneath it shows through. Dentin, which is the deep yellowish to brownish substance that lies beneath the enamel of your teeth, is often responsible for the yellow in your mirror. Dentin is not always covered by thick enamel. However, it can block stains from building up.
- Wear. As you age, enamel will wear away due to chewing and acid exposure from food and drinks. While most teeth become yellow with the loss of enamel with age, some may take on a grayish hue when combined with a permanent food stain.
What can you do to avoid yellow teeth?
Professional cleaning, brushing, whitening, veneers, and professional cleaning are the best options for yellow teeth. To prevent yellow surface stains, it is important to brush your teeth twice daily. You can brighten your yellow teeth with some whitening toothpastes. It’s also a good idea to floss once per day. Your dental hygienist can help you remove deeper, more visible stains. They will also polish your teeth and clean out any tartar or bacteria. It is crucial to prevent enamel stains. Avoid smoking and avoid foods and drinks that can cause yellowing. After eating or drinking these foods, rinse your mouth with water. There are many options to whiten discolored teeth. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Your dentist can help you if you are unable to fix the problem yourself.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
