Why Are My Teeth Yellow
It’s a question many of us have asked ourselves: “Why are my teeth yellow?” While it can be frustrating to notice discoloration, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that a significant percentage of adults experience some level of tooth discoloration and up to 57% of the population are concerned about the colour of their teeth. The good news is that yellow teeth are a common and often treatable condition. In this blog, we’ll explore the various reasons why teeth may become discoloured and highlight some effective ways to restore your bright, white smile!
Poor Oral Hygiene Can Lead to Yellow Teeth
Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that forms on your teeth. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, which is yellow or brown and can only be removed by your dentist. Plaque and tartar absorb pigments from foods and drinks, causing surface stains and making your teeth appear yellow. Additionally, the acids produced by plaque bacteria can erode enamel, revealing the naturally yellow dentin beneath. Maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having regular dental cleanings, is essential to prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth white and healthy.
Your Diet Can Cause Your Teeth to Turn Yellow
Consuming foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits (such as berries) can stain your teeth over time due to their high levels of tannins, chromogens, and acidity, which cause pigments to stick to your enamel. Additionally, a diet lacking essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can weaken enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining and yellowing. Weakened enamel becomes more porous and rough, allowing pigments from foods and drinks to adhere more easily. To prevent discoloration, maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, limit intake of staining foods and drinks, and practice good oral hygiene, including rinsing and brushing after consuming such items.
Tabaco Use Can Cause Tooth Discolouration
Smoking or chewing tobacco leads to yellow teeth primarily due to nicotine and tar, which are potent staining agents. Nicotine, although colourless, turns yellow when exposed to oxygen and penetrates enamel, while tar leaves a sticky, dark residue that clings to teeth. These substances cause deep, persistent stains that regular brushing can’t remove. Additionally, tobacco use increases acidity in the mouth, promoting enamel erosion, plaque, and tartar buildup, further exacerbating discoloration. Quitting smoking and seeking professional dental treatments, such as teeth whitening and regular cleanings, can help mitigate these effects and restore a brighter smile.
Your Genetics and Age Can Impact the Colour of Your Teeth
Even if you brush and floss your teeth often and avoid smoking and staining foods, tooth discoloration can still occur due to natural factors. As you age, enamel wears down, revealing the yellow dentin beneath. Genetics also play a role; some people naturally have thinner or more porous enamel, making them more prone to yellowing. Environmental factors like high fluoride exposure and certain medications can also cause discoloration.
How To Prevent My Teeth From Going Yellow
Maintaining a bright, white smile involves practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash. Limiting the intake of staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as avoiding tobacco, can prevent discoloration. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and rinsing your mouth with water after meals also help. Regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups, using whitening toothpaste and at-home whitening kits, and considering dental sealants for added protection are effective strategies. Additionally, limiting acidic foods and drinks and using a straw can minimize enamel erosion and staining.
Seek Professional Treatment for Yellow Teeth
If home methods don’t achieve the desired results, you can seek professional teeth whitening treatments. Research and clinical studies show that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe, and many dentists consider it the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. At Chinook Mall Family Dental, we offer the Zoom Whitening Teeth System, a safe and effective treatment that whitens teeth in just one appointment at our South West Calgary clinic. This system outperforms any take-home products, providing quick, noticeable, and long-lasting results. On average, this non-invasive procedure can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades, using a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin.
Ready to achieve a brighter, healthier smile? Book your next teeth cleaning or teeth whitening appointment at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic today! Our expert team is here to answer any questions you have about your dental health and the best ways to whiten your teeth. Contact us now and take the first step towards a radiant smile! Click here to fill out our online Contact Us form, or call us at 403.252.7711 to book an appointment today!
At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic, our experienced team can help you identify the cause of your bruxism and develop a tailored treatment plan to protect your dental health. Take the first step towards a healthier smile by booking an appointment today. Let us help you stop teeth grinding and improve your overall well-being. To book an appointment, call 403.252.7711 or connect with us online via our online form.
