Why are my teeth yellow?

We see celebrities and pro athletes sporting pearly white teeth but the smiles of most people are a tad duller. Many things can affect the color of your teeth and turn them yellow, which may make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance. 

There are several causes of tooth discoloration, including:

• Foods/drinks – Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables.
• Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
• Poor dental hygiene – Not brushing, flossing, and rinsing enough to remove plaque and stain-producing substances.
• Disease – Several diseases that affect enamel can lead to tooth discoloration. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.
• Medications – Some antibiotics are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing. Antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.
• Aging – As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing the natural color of dentin.
• Genetics – Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.
• Environment – Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources or from excessive use can cause teeth discoloration.
• Trauma – For example, damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.

How the color of your teeth changes may help point to the cause:

Are your teeth yellow? As you age, the white enamel surface of your teeth may wear down. The yellow core of your teeth becomes more visible.

Are your teeth turning brown? Tobacco, dark beverages like tea or coffee, and poor brushing habits that lead to tooth decay may cause teeth to turn brown.

Do you have white spots in your teeth? As young teeth develop, too much fluoride can cause white spots. This is called fluorosis and it happens when teeth come into contact with too much fluoride from drinking water or excess use of fluoride rinses or toothpastes.

Tooth Discoloration Prevention Methods

A few simple lifestyle changes may help prevent teeth discoloration:

• If you’re a coffee drinker or smoker, consider cutting back or quitting.
• Improve your dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash daily.
• Have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.
• If the color of your teeth change without an explanation and other symptoms are also present, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Tooth Discoloration Treatments

Treatment options to whiten teeth can vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and may include:

• Using tooth brushing and flossing techniques
• Avoidance of the foods and beverages that cause stains
• Professional whitening treatments
• In-home whitening agents purchased from your dentist
• Veneers: A dentist or oral surgeon puts a thin shell of material over the entire front of your tooth to change the color or shape.

Our Team in Carlisle, PA loves providing the care you deserve. From Children’s Dentistry to routine dental care, we go above and beyond to ensure you’re comfortable and confident at our office. Contact us today at 717.243.9020.