Even if you brush your teeth every day, it’s still possible to have yellow teeth. Though not as urgent as other oral health conditions, yellow teeth can make you lose confidence in your smile. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges helps patients fall in love with their smiles through teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services. Contact our Duncan, OK office to discuss ways to improve the way your smile looks.
Although every case is different, here are nine reasons why your teeth could be yellow:
1. Genetics
Your dental structure comprises many layers that blend to produce a distinct hue. Your teeth’s outer protective layer (enamel) is white, and the supporting tissue (dentin) is naturally yellowish or brown.
Everyone’s teeth are inherently different. Thicker enamel yields a whiter appearance. Some enamel is naturally thinner or more translucent than others, causing a more yellowish tone. Either way, these differences are generally healthy and perfectly normal.
2. Aging
Enamel tends to thin out and become more porous as people get older due to years of wear and tear. Thus, exposing the supporting dentin and giving your teeth a yellow tint.
3. Bruxism
Bruxism is defined as the involuntary grinding and clenching of the jaw. Consequently, this can deteriorate the enamel to cracking, fracturing, and yellowing.
4. Poor Oral Hygiene
Brushing, flossing, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist are excellent ways to remove plaque and prevent tartar deposits from developing. Over time, the bacterial build-up can lead to more yellow teeth (and a host of other oral health problems).
5. Tobacco Use
It’s widely understood that smoking and chewing tobacco can discolor your teeth. Furthermore, studies support that people who smoke are more likely to be dissatisfied with the color of their teeth and report higher levels of moderate to severe discoloration than non-smokers.
6. Trauma
Accidents happen, and some accidents can result in cracked enamel or interior damage that leads to discoloration.
7. Antibiotics
Antibiotics can cause developing teeth to look more yellow. Specifically, high doses of tetracycline group antibiotics in early childhood can stain emerging teeth, so pregnant mothers and caretakers of children under eight must be mindful of this medical side effect.
8. Illness
Your general health may influence your tooth enamel, which can transform the color of your teeth. Patients with calcium deficiency, eating disorders, and other conditions may suffer from thinning enamel.
9. Diet
If you’re partial to a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of red wine before bed, you might be familiar with the adverse effects on your smile. Although coffee and red wine are among the worst staining drinks, they are not the only culprits that could be tarnishing your white smile. Notably, food and drinks are higher in stain-inducing chromogens, tannins, and acids, such as:
- Sodas
- Fruit Juices
- Tomato-based sauces
- Berries
- Citrus Fruits
- Beetroot
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Curry
How to Safely and Effectively Whiten Yellow Teeth
Although there are plenty of whitening treatments on the market, we recommend professionally whitening your teeth for safe yet dramatic results. Whether you prefer in-office or take-home whitening treatments, Dr. Bridges can help. Start your journey to a more beautiful, brighter smile by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online.
