Do your teeth look less white than they used to be? You are not alone! While natural tooth color varies among individuals, some factors can turn your teeth yellow over time. Yellow teeth can keep you from smiling without hesitation, even though it is not an emergency dental condition. Yet, some people falsely presume yellow teeth stronger than white. Understanding the causes of teeth yellowing is the first step towards maintaining a brighter smile. From dietary changes and better oral care to whitening treatments, options abound. Read on to know the common causes and ways to treat and prevent the yellowing of teeth for a brighter smile.
What Is Teeth Yellowing?
Yellowing of teeth is when they lose their natural white shade and look pale, dull, or yellowish. It often happens slowly over time and is easily overlooked. For most people, it occurs naturally as part of aging or due to lifestyle and dietary habits. You might wonder, "Is yellow teeth normal?" Yes, a slight yellowish tint is natural and may not challenge oral health in a big way.
However, if the teeth noticeably darken or get stained, it may indicate poor oral hygiene or other underlying reasons that require attention. Knowing what having yellow teeth means and why teeth turn yellow can help you differentiate when it is normal and when you need help.
Ten Common Causes of Teeth Yellowing
If you are wondering what makes your teeth yellow over time, various reasons are likely. From pigmented diet to poor dental hygiene that results in yellow tartar (hardened plaque) and cavities that look dark, several factors can discolor teeth. While age-related tooth discoloration is inevitable, some yellow teeth causes can be dealt with through proactive care. Some common causes of yellow teeth you should watch out for include:
1. Genetics
For some people who wonder, “Are teeth naturally white or yellow?”, the answer is genetics. Tooth color may run in the family. Some people are born with darker enamel, which does not necessarily mean yellow stains on teeth. If the natural tooth shade of either parent is yellow, the color of your teeth is likely to be of a similar hue. The common natural shades of otherwise white teeth include gray, reddish brown, reddish yellow, and reddish gray. The depth of color varies across a spectrum from light to dark.
2. Dentin
Dentin is a layer below the hard, white outer surface of the tooth (enamel) and has a yellowish shade. If the enamel is thinner or thins down for some reason, the dentin below it shows through, resulting in yellow tooth discoloration. This is a part of the tooth anatomy and is sometimes what makes your teeth yellow, despite you taking good care of them.
3. Wear
Some people wonder, “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?” In fact, teeth can turn yellow as you get older. As the tooth enamel wears away from chewing and constant exposure to acidic food and drinks, the underlying yellow dentin becomes more visible. This gives a yellow appearance to the teeth. Most teeth turn yellow as enamel thins with age, whereas some show a grayish shade by absorbing food stains.
4. Smoking
Smoking and chewing tobacco are not just addictive, unhealthy habits, they also result in teeth yellowing. With consistent use, nicotine in tobacco products leaves yellow or brown surface stains on the teeth that may penetrate deep into the enamel. Yellow teeth from smoking are a common oral care concern, as these stains are hard to clean.
5. Foods
A wide range of foods you eat can stain your teeth. Berries (like blueberries), tomatoes in pasta sauce, and curry spices contain pigments that stick to the outer surface of your teeth, resulting in surface stains. This makes rinsing after every meal important to wash these stain-causing substances away.
6. Drinks
If you are an avid tea or coffee drinker, it is most likely you may wonder, “Why my teeth is yellow?” Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth. Besides, beverages like red wine and dark colored sodas and sports drinks are known to stain teeth. Some of these drinks are acidic and may wear away the enamel, worsening the yellow appearance. Instead of banning these drinks entirely, limiting their consumption and rinsing after intake helps.
7. Antibiotics
Some antibiotic medicines taken in the early ages may cause yellow or gray staining as the teeth develop. Though less common, adults may notice long-term staining from past use. Such stains often require in-office teeth whitening treatments.
8. Tartar
Tartar is a yellow, hardened plaque buildup that results from poor oral hygiene. Plaque, a colorless, sticky film of food debris and bacteria, constantly forms on teeth and along the gumline. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it accumulates and hardens into yellow tartar. Tartar buildup can give a yellow appearance to the teeth. Unlike plaque, tartar can be removed only by a dental hygienist.
9. Trauma
Injuries, impact of an accident, or physical trauma can damage a tooth’s interior or pulp. This can result in yellow or gray discoloration of the affected tooth, which requires professional care and attention.
10. Grinding
Some people wonder, “Why is my teeth yellowish despite good oral hygiene?” The reason is probably tooth grinding, an unconscious habit seen in some people while sleeping or when in stress. Also called bruxism, tooth grinding may promote enamel wear. It may also weaken the enamel to the point of cracking and yellowing. Prolonged enamel wear from grinding can result in a darker, yellowish appearance of the teeth.
How to Avoid Teeth Yellowing
Being aware of what causes yellow teeth helps you take proactive measures to prevent it. As such, keeping your smile bright is easier than you might think. While considering how to avoid yellow teeth, simple changes to oral care routine, diet, and lifestyle can make a big difference. From proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing to watching what you drink, these simple steps can help protect your tooth enamel and prevent stains.
Even if you are wondering how to avoid yellow teeth from coffee without giving it up entirely, there are easy tricks for that as well. The following tips can help prevent teeth yellowing:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once daily to remove plaque and food debris between teeth, which may otherwise harden to yellow tartar.
Ensure regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Quit smoking and tobacco use.
Limit the consumption of pigmented drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda. If necessary, use a straw to reduce contact with teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee or tea and after a meal.
Drink plenty of water and reduce sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
Use a whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains that accumulate every day.
Treatments for Yellow Teeth
So, can you do anything about your discolored teeth? Yes, practicing good oral hygiene is the first step to take while considering how to get rid of yellow teeth. Besides, there are effective ways to restore your bright smile. They range from at-home options to professional care and over-the-counter dental care products. You can choose what works for your lifestyle and needs, or as suggested by a dental healthcare provider.
When considering how to remove yellow teeth stains easily, home remedies such as baking soda paste may tempt you. However, most of these remedies are not backed by scientific evidence and can be potentially harmful. Meanwhile, below are the various options you can consider to brighten your smile.
1. At Home
Practicing good oral hygiene and using dentist-approved solutions can be a safe and effective yellow teeth remedy at home. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting stain-causing diet can help you manage surface stains.
For at-home whitening, a dental professional may provide a customised whitening tray designed to snugly fit your teeth. It includes a professional-grade whitening gel. You may fill the tray with the gel and wear it on your teeth for a certain duration, say for a few hours or overnight, as instructed. This gel has a higher strength of whitening agents than store-bought products, offering quicker results in a few uses.
2. Professional Treatments
If your teeth have deeper, stubborn stains that do not respond well to home care, professional teeth whitening can offer a quicker and effective alternative. Dental professionals offer in-office bleaching using whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in safe, higher concentrations. They help break down deep-set stains to reveal whiter teeth. An LED light may be used to speed up the whitening action.
For teeth with dental restorations, solutions like veneers offer a better alternative, as bleaching may not be effective. Though professional yellow teeth treatment may cost more, it provides safer, faster, and better results. Before prescribing a whitening treatment for you, dental professionals usually assess the type and extent of the stains, your unique oral conditions and needs, and whether you have gum problems or sensitivity.
3. Over-the-Counter Products
If you prefer not to visit a dental clinic for teeth whitening and want to manage teeth yellowing at home, various teeth whitening products are available in stores and online. Whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and mouthwash are popular choices. Whitening pens and gels are often sold as part of teeth whitening kits. These products contain a lower concentration of whitening agents than professional treatments and are designed to give results with consistent use.
A whitening toothpaste typically contains mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Advanced formulations contain active ingredients that remove surface stains and lighten deeper stains by penetrating the enamel. Working safely on the tooth enamel, they result in visibly whiter teeth with regular, consistent use as directed. This makes them a top choice for daily use to whiten teeth.
When to See a Dental Professional
Some stains may not respond to at-home oral care; home treatment options may not suffice. If the yellow stains on your teeth prevail or get worse, a dental visit can help. A dental professional can guide you on how to make yellow teeth white again, especially if home care and products do not seem to work. They can check for deeper issues and suggest the best treatment for you.
A dental visit is crucial if you notice pain, sensitivity, or other changes in your teeth. However, regular checkups every six months are vital to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dental cleanings help remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar. Routine dental checkups also help address underlying problems, like tooth decaay.
Teeth yellowing is a common concern that happens for many reasons. Factors like aging and enamel wear can slowly turn the teeth yellow. However, you can prevent other causes, like diet and lifestyle, with proactive oral care. From in-office bleaching to whitening products, various options are available to whiten your yellow teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial for a healthy, bright smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can yellow teeth get white again?
Yes, yellow teeth can be turned white again with good oral care, regular use of whitening products, or professional whitening treatments. Limiting the use of pigmented foods and drinks and lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco use also help.Are yellowish teeth healthy?
Teeth yellowing does not necessarily mean that the tooth is unhealthy. A slightly yellow-shaded tooth can still be healthy if there are no dental caries, pain, or signs of gum disease.Are teeth naturally white or yellow?
The natural color of tooth enamel may vary among individuals. Typical shades range from white to off-white or shades of slightly yellow and gray. A natural yellowish tint on teeth may appear based on the thickness of the enamel and the dentin below it.Are yellow teeth stronger than white?
Not necessarily. The strength of teeth does not depend on tooth color. It is influenced by factors like healthy enamel, which is resistant to cavities, a nutritional diet rich in minerals like calcium, and good oral hygiene.How can I get 100% white teeth?
Whitening treatments from a dental professional are the fastest and most effective way to get white teeth. Teeth whitening products like whitening toothpaste can also help brighten your smile with consistent use.
