Why are my teeth yellow?
Yellow teeth refer to teeth that have a yellowish or discoloured appearance. This discoloration can occur due to various reasons.
It’s important to note that while yellow teeth are often a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes indicate underlying dental issues that may require attention from a dentist. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can help prevent and address yellowing of the teeth.
Causes
Yellowing of teeth can occur due to various reasons, including:
Staining from Food and Drinks
Consuming beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, or foods with intense color pigments can stain teeth over time.
Tobacco Use
Smoking or using tobacco products can contribute to yellowing of teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing may allow plaque and stains to accumulate on teeth.
Aging
As individuals age, the enamel on teeth naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentine underneath.
Genetics
Genetic factors can influence the thickness and color of enamel, affecting tooth appearance.
Certain Medications
Select medications, especially if taken during the tooth formation, can cause tooth discoloration.
Dental Trauma
Injury to teeth can lead to changes in color, including yellowing.
Fluorosis
Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can cause tooth discoloration.
Symptoms
Yellow teeth themselves are not typically associated with specific symptoms, as the discoloration is primarily a visual concern. Unless the yellow teeth are the result of a disease process.
Treatment
The treatment of yellow teeth depends on the underlying cause of discoloration. Common approaches include:
Professional Teeth Whitening
In-office or at-home professional teeth whitening procedures to remove surface stains and lighten tooth color.
Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains contributing to yellowing.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Establishing and maintaining a robust oral hygiene routine, including proper brushing and flossing, to prevent staining and discoloration.
Lifestyle Changes
Limiting the consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to prevent further discoloration.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental procedures such as bonding, veneers, or crowns to improve the appearance of severely discolored teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride applications to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the appearance of stains.
At-Home Whitening Products
Over-the-counter or dentist-prescribed at-home whitening products for maintenance and gradual improvement.
Dietary Adjustments
Choosing foods that promote good oral health and avoiding acidic or sugary substances that contribute to discoloration.
It’s essential to consult with a dentist for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan based on the specific cause of yellow teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do teeth go yellow?
Despite what Social Media shows us, teeth are not naturally super white. They are in fact different shades of white and yellow. Yellow teeth are not necessarily a problem but it depends on the reason for the teeth going yellow.
Reasons for teeth going yellow
- Diet- some foods are more likely to stain and cause teeth to go yellow, e.g. coffee, tea, turmeric and red wine.
- Smoking- the chemicals from cigarettes can stain teeth
- Mouth breathing- the teeth get dried out and yellower with time
- Buildup of plaque and tartar
- If a single tooth goes yellow, this is something that needs to be checked thoroughly. The most common cause of this is due to trauma on the tooth and the nerve of the tooth dying
- Age- as your get older, the teeth naturally get yellower due to the increasing dentine layer (the internal layer of the tooth that is yellow)
Depending on the cause, there are different options available if you want to brighten your smile including, a professional dental clean, whitening and more!
Why does my breath stink?
Bad breath affects a lot of us and can make you feel really self conscious. There are multiple reasons for bad breath and it’s important to assess this properly with a Dental Professional. There can sometimes also be underlying Medical Conditions for bad breath so it is vital to manage this properly.
Here are some of the main factors for bad breath
- Poor oral hygiene- not cleaning well can leave lots of food and plaque stuck around the teeth and lead to odour producing bacteria
- Lack of professional dental cleaning- even if you maintain a good Oral Hygiene regime, if it’s been a while since your last professional dental cleaning, there can be a build up of tartar that can also cause bad breath
- Decay/broken teeth- this can increase the amount of odour causing bacteria in the mouth or also have food packing in hole
- Smoking- smoking dries your mouth, chemicals in cigarettes can make the breath smell, increases your risk of Gum Disease which also can cause bad breath
- Gum disease- unmanaged Gum disease (Periodontitis) can result in bad breath especially when there are large gum pockets where plaque, tartar and food can get stuck
- Mouth breathing- breathing through the mouth makes your mouth dry and this can result in bad breath
- Acid reflux- reflux happens when stomach acid moves up into your oesophagus and oral cavity and affects your breath.
- Post nasal drip- Having mucous from your nasal passages drain at the back of your throat can cause bad breath from the bacteria in the mucous
- Dry mouth- not drinking enough water can mean your mouth can be very dry and this can cause bad breath. Sometimes dry mouth can be due to specific medications or medical conditions
- Diet- the typical culprits include garlic and onion! Too much caffeine can also dry your mouth out and also cause bad breath
