Are your teeth yellow? If so, you are not alone. Over time, most people’s teeth gradually begin to have discoloration.
Many reasons cause teeth to become yellow. If you want to regain your white smile, it is essential to understand the specific reason for your yellow teeth and get to the root of your problem.
Read our guide to find out the most common reasons for it and what can be done about them.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
Genetics – Genetic disposition can determine the thickness of the outermost layer of your teeth or tooth enamel. Enamel is translucent, while dentine has a naturally yellow hue.
Hence, if you have thin tooth enamel, the yellowish dentin layer of your teeth will be more visible.
Natural aging – Age also affects the thickness of your tooth enamel. As you age, your enamel gets thinner and will cause the natural yellow color of the dentin to reveal through your teeth.
Poor oral hygiene – When you do not routinely brush, floss, and rinse your mouth enough can start plaque and tartar build-up that can quicken the discoloration of your teeth.
Food and drink stains – Certain food and beverages can have a very negative effect on the color of your teeth. Food and drinks with intense color pigments include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Sauces
- Berries
Stains From Smoking – Smoking causes yellow and brown surface stains on teeth over time. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can stain teeth, gradually altering their color.
Certain Medications – Tooth discoloration is a side effect of many medications. These include antibiotics containing tetracycline and doxycycline, antidepressants, antihistamines, or high blood pressure medication. Make sure you go over any potential side effects of the medicines you are currently taking with your physician.
How can I get rid of yellow teeth?
One of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening. At Crossroads Family Dentistry, we will do a thorough inspection of your teeth to determine the cause of your discoloration. This way, it can help us pick which whitening treatment best suits your needs.
If you feel that your yellow teeth are spoiling your smile, book an appointment with Crossroads Family Dentistry today!