When it comes to making lasting first impressions, your smile is the best tool at your disposal. But if your pearly whites aren’t looking very white these days and have taken on an unfavorable yellow hue, you might be wondering what’s going on and how you can address the issue. Here’s more from your cosmetic dentist about what causes teeth to become stained yellow, along with some ways the issue can be totally remedied!
Possible Explanations for Yellow Teeth
The bottom line is that there are many different reasons for teeth becoming stained yellow. Here are a few possible explanations:
- Age – Your enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth, thins and wears down as you grow older, which in turn reveals more of the yellowish-colored dentin underneath.
- Diet – There are many foods and drinks out there that contain staining agents that’ll tarnish your pearly whites; items like red wines and sauces, coffee, berries, teas, and more are all capable of staining teeth after frequent consumption.
- Lifestyle – Poor lifestyle choices, mainly smoking and using tobacco products, can lead to all kinds of health issues including discolored teeth.
- Genetics – It’s possible to inherit stained teeth due to your genetics; certain conditions can be passed down hereditarily that cause yellow enamel.
- Poor oral hygiene – Of course, it goes without saying that simply not brushing, flossing, or taking care of your mouth in general can certainly lead to yellow teeth!
Addressing Yellow Teeth
The good news is that in most cases, yellow teeth can easily be improved and whitened with the help of a skilled dentist! Though it’ll still depend on your individual circumstances, here are a few ways in which your dentist can help you achieve a beautifully whitened smile:
- Teeth whitening – When it comes to whitening teeth, a skilled professional is always going to be able to provide better results than anything you can purchase at the store. Using special tools and high-quality whitening agents, they can whiten your teeth by up to several shades either in-office or by sending you home with the means to do it yourself.
- Veneers – Considered the most comprehensive cosmetic treatment, veneers are capable of addressing various aesthetic issues including staining. Your dentist will bond thin, customizable sheets of dental porcelain to your teeth to mask any present flaws.
- Cosmetic bonding – This is one of the quickest and most accessible cosmetic treatments, and though it’s often used for small chips or cracks in teeth, it can also be used to target areas of discoloration.
It’s also worth noting that caring for your smile regularly, keeping up with your routine dental checkups, and minimizing the things you expose your teeth to that contain staining agents can all prove useful in maintaining a whiter smile!
About the Author
Dr. Jayme Glamm received her DDS from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and completed her General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She’s now thrilled to serve patients and families in the Columbus, OH area! Her practice offers a wide range of services including cosmetic options that can easily address teeth staining. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Glamm’s practice online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (614) 487-0112.