Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—meaning that a stained and yellow smile can lead to some pretty embarrassing first impressions! But fortunately, there are many different cosmetic solutions available that can effectively whiten discolored teeth. But what causes teeth to become yellow in the first place? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the common causes of stained teeth, along with some ways that the issue can be addressed.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
There are many factors that can influence the color of your teeth, but some common ones include:
- Age – As you grow older, your enamel gradually wears away and becomes thinner, resulting in the yellow-colored dentin underneath becoming more visible.
- Diet – Certain foods and drinks like red sauces and wines, berries, coffee, and tea contain tannins, which are staining agents that can discolor your teeth.
- Smoking & Tobacco Use – Smoking and using tobacco is notorious for causing all sorts of health issues, including stained teeth.
- Genetics – Sometimes you can inherit certain genetic conditions from your parents that affect your enamel and make your teeth appear discolored.
- Excessive fluoride exposure – Fluoride is good for your teeth, but too much fluoride exposure can lead to fluorosis and discolor your teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene – Simply not brushing, flossing, and taking care of your mouth is a surefire way to end up with yellow teeth!
How Can Yellow Teeth Be Whitened?
Luckily, there are now many ways to whiten teeth, regardless of the reason for their discoloration. Although it will depend on your individual circumstances, your dentist can easily address stained teeth and help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile. Here are a few different ways how:
- In-office whitening – Carried out by your dentist in their office, they can whiten your teeth using special tools and whitening agents that are stronger than anything you can buy at the store. The process is quick and straightforward, and the results can last from six months to three years!
- At-home whitening – Your dentist can also send you home with a kit containing custom-made trays and whitening gels that are just as effective as what’s used during in-office whitening. This allows you to whiten your teeth conveniently on your own schedule.
- Porcelain veneers – If your teeth don’t respond well to teeth whitening, porcelain veneers are another option that can be used to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist will bond thin sheets of porcelain to the outer surfaces of the affected teeth, instantly improving their look.
If you’re unhappy with your smile because of yellow teeth, your situation isn’t hopeless! Regardless of why your teeth are stained, options exist for whitening them and improving the quality of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Todd Balington has proudly served patients and families in the Denton, TX community for several years. Dr. Balington received his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including cosmetic dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out online or over the phone: (940) 383-3300.