5 Possible Reasons You Have Yellow Teeth (2024)

Are you your teeth looking more antique yellow than eggshell white these days? Yellow teeth can serve to be an embarrassing problem that is impossible to hide. Here five common culprits for the problem as well as a few tips to help your brighten your smile.

Foods and Drinks

Many of the things you eat and drink every day can stain smiles. For example, dark sodas, tea, red wine, coffee, soy sauce and even blueberries can all give teeth a yellow or brownish tint. If cutting caffeine isn’t an option for you and you can’t imagine a plate of pasta without a glass of Chianti, brushing soon after meals or coffee breaks can help remove the buildup of staining foods or drinks.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco products, whether cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco, can turn tooth enamel yellow. What’s more, using tobacco can slow healing time for oral surgeries and may even lead to gum disease and oral cancer, so kicking the habit is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall oral health.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Poor oral health habits can lead to a buildup of tartar and plaque that makes it easier for stains from foods, drinks or tobacco to accumulate on teeth. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist for routine cleanings can reduce tartar and plaque and fade food and drink stains before they turn teeth yellow.

Age

Dentin is the yellowish core of the tooth that has tiny openings leading to nerves and cells inside. As the enamel on your teeth wears down with age, more of the dentin beneath it will show through, which can result in teeth that are not only yellow, but sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

Other Issues

Other common reasons for yellow teeth include heredity, overexposure to fluoride, exposure to certain antibiotics at an early age or underlying health issues. For example, yellowed teeth can be a sign of celiac disease or certain nutritional deficiencies, according to MediResource Inc.

Brushing and flossing regularly are the easiest ways to keep teeth white, along with proper flossing to ensure that teeth are healthy and bacteria-free. If you are unhappy with the shine of your smile, contact our dentist today. We can recommend whitening products and procedures, as well as identify and treat the core cause of your yellow teeth!

5 Possible Reasons You Have Yellow Teeth (2024)

FAQs

What is the main cause of yellow teeth? ›

Diet: Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration.

Why are my teeth yellow at 14? ›

Thin enamel can be a result of poor hygiene or family genetics. Staining from food and drinks: Many foods and beverages can stain teeth's enamel, including soda, coffee, tea, lemon, tomato sauce and dark-colored berries. Over time, these tooth stains can build up and cause your child's teeth to take on a yellow hue.

How to stop yellowing of teeth? ›

Can You Fix Yellow Teeth Naturally?
  1. Apply Baking Soda to Your Brushes. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Use a Teeth Whitener. ...
  4. Brush Your Teeth Regularly. ...
  5. Avoid Foods that Stain Teeth. ...
  6. Avoid Smoking. ...
  7. Increase Your Calcium Intake. ...
  8. Keep a Good Oral Hygiene Routine.

Which deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›

In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.

Can yellow teeth be white again? ›

2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Can stress make teeth yellow? ›

Teeth Grinding – Grinding of teeth is a common stress relieving response. Doing this will weaken your teeth and aid in the yellowing of your teeth.

Is it OK to whiten teeth at 13? ›

The Right Age To Whiten

Most dentists agree that teeth whitening should be done no earlier than age 14-16. Many pre-teens do not have all of their permanent teeth yet, so it's best not to undergo teeth whitening until all adult teeth are present, and there are no longer any baby teeth in your child's mouth.

Why are my 11 year old sons teeth yellow? ›

Good news: this is normal. Permanent teeth have more dentin (the layer of the tooth underneath the outer enamel), which has a more yellowish color. They also have very large nerve canals when they erupt and the enamel is more naturally transparent.

Are yellow teeth healthy? ›

Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy

This myth is peddled by firms which want us to spend a fortune on getting a perfect “movie star” smile. Although heavy staining and yellow plaque deposits aren't healthy, it's very possible for yellowish teeth to be absolutely clean and healthy.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Can salt whiten teeth? ›

Since salt and baking soda are abrasive they could remove stains from teeth, but that's like trying to lighten your floors by sanding them down, said Messina, who is also a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Does vaping stain teeth? ›

Vaping can cause discoloration and staining on your teeth. That is because the nicotine in e-cigarettes is yellow, and it can cling to your teeth and cause them to yellow over time. In addition, the flavorings in e-cigarettes can also stain your teeth.

What illnesses cause yellow teeth? ›

Some health conditions cause teeth discoloration, including liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiency, eating disorders and metabolic diseases. Certain medications. Some medications, like certain antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure, can result in teeth discoloration.

Why are my teeth yellow if I've tried everything? ›

Poor Oral Hygiene

Yellowing is one of the most obvious. When plaque and tartar accumulate on the surface of your teeth, they can cause stains that appear yellow. But if you fall into the camp of those who brush regularly but still have yellow teeth, the problem may be harsh brushing or using the wrong toothbrush.

Can dehydration cause yellow teeth? ›

It's true. Not staying hydrated encourages tooth stains. If your body isn't getting enough hydration, you might notice that your mouth is dry. A dry mouth means you aren't producing an adequate amount of saliva to keep your teeth clean.

Why are my teeth yellow even though I brush? ›

Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining. Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.

Can yellow teeth be fixed? ›

If you have stubborn surface stains that do not respond to brushing or other over-the-counter options, professional teeth whitening is an option. Professional teeth whitening options can remove several layers of surface stains from your teeth in a short amount of time.

At what age do teeth start to yellow? ›

If your child is about 6-7 years old and their permanent teeth have started to erupt, you may notice that their permanent teeth look quite a bit more yellow than their baby teeth. Good news: this is normal.

What food makes your teeth yellow? ›

Top 6 Foods That Can Stain Teeth (and What to Do About It)
  • Candy, Chocolate, and Sweets. Any sweets or candy that are dark in color — think dark chocolate — can cause teeth stains. ...
  • Coffee and Tea. ...
  • 3. Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  • Tomato Sauce, Soy Sauce & Balsamic Vinegar. ...
  • Red and White Wine. ...
  • Soda and Sugary Drinks.
Dec 1, 2021

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