Yellow teeth can often cause people to be conscious of their smile. Understanding the main causes of yellowing is the first step in preventing and addressing this concern. While tooth enamel is naturally off-white in colour, many factors can cause yellowish teeth and stain over time.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
Tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of our teeth contains microscopic pores that allow pigments to become trapped, leading to discolouration over time. This can cause teeth to appear dull, yellow, or even brown as the enamel stains and discolours. Additionally, as enamel naturally thins and becomes more transparent with age, the yellowish layer of dentin underneath becomes more visible, contributing to an overall yellowing effect.
Common Causes for Yellowing or Discolouration of Teeth
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to brush and floss regularly allows a sticky plaque to continually build up on the teeth. As plaque remains on the teeth, it hardens into calcified deposits called tartar. Both plaque buildup and tartar trap stain particles from food as well as waste products from bacteria, allowing teeth staining and discolouration to set in. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine like brushing everyday, twice a day, with the right toothpaste and toothbrush, using a mouthwash and flossing can help remove the yellow stains and waste deposits.
2. Pigmented Foods & Drinks
Certain pigmented foods could be a cause of tooth discolouration and yellowing of teeth due to acids that can potentially stain teeth or erode the enamel. Coffee and tea are two of the most common, everyday foods that can cause stains, but white and red wine can also contribute to yellowing of teeth. Other culprits include dark and light sodas or sports drinks with artificial flavouring. Long term uses of pigmented drinks without adequate oral hygiene are often associated with yellowish teeth.
3. Smoking
Nicotine from smoking not just develops an unhealthy addiction; it leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth, too (one more reason to kick the habit!). Consistent smoking results in darker teeth with stubborn yellow stains that can penetrate deep into the enamel.
4. Genetics & Other Natural Factors
Sometimes, discolouration of teeth runs in the family. If one of the parents' teeth are yellowish, yours are likely to have a similar hue. Reddish brown, reddish yellow, grey and reddish grey are the four natural shades of otherwise white teeth, and this depth of colour varies across a spectrum from light to dark.
Additionally, it could depend on the natural colour of your teeth. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material under the protective layer - called enamel. When the enamel is thin, the dentin underneath is more visible and teeth can appear yellow. The natural colour of the dentin below your enamel and thickness of your enamel can vary between people.
Further, teeth can seem more yellow with age. This is because of everyday wear and tear of enamel. As people age, enamel wears away from regular chewing and exposure to acidic foods.
5. Antibiotics
Antibiotics can have notable effects on dental health, particularly when used extensively or during critical periods of tooth development. Some antibiotics may disrupt the balance of oral microbiota, potentially leading to oral thrush or other dental issues.
According to a research study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, tetracycline antibiotics can stain teeth. Tetracycline and oxytetracycline cause a yellow discoloration, whereas chlortetracycline produces a grey-brown discoloration. Evidence suggests that, of all the Tetracyclines, oxytetracycline is categorised as a major reason for yellow teeth. Therefore, in case of intake of tetracycline antibiotics, you may require an in-office bleaching treatment for your stained teeth.
6. Accidents
Some tooth discolouration causes can also be from the impact of a trauma or accident. Physical trauma can crack tooth enamel and damage the tooth's interior, leading to discoloration that may need professional attention.
How to Prevent Or Reduce Tooth Discolouration?
Taking care of oral hygiene, like thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day is a starting point to prevent yellow surface stains. Flossing your teeth once a day can help, as well. Brushing with teeth whitening toothpastes and toothbrushes, professional cleaning, and teeth whitening treatments are different ways to reduce yellow teeth and make them whiter.
