Yellow teeth, while not as severe as other conditions such as cancer, can impact your smile every day. You can change your eating habits and improve your oral hygiene. A dentist might recommend whitening. These are the most common reasons for undesirable tinges.
Genetics
Sometimes, the family’s teeth color is passed down through generations. You might have one of your parents’ yellow smiles. Reddish brown, yellow and gray are the four natural white colors. This color depth can range from light to dark.
Dentin
Yellowish teeth with thin enamel and dentin underneath it will look yellowish. The yellow color in your mirror is often due to dentin, which is the substance beneath your enamel.
While thick enamel protects dentin, it doesn’t stop stains from building up on the surfaces. We will also discuss this reason for yellow.
Wear
As we age, enamel wears away from chewing and acidity from foods and drinks. The yellowing of teeth is inevitable. Most teeth turn yellow as they lose their enamel over time, but some teeth may become grayish from permanent food staining.
Smoking
Smoking can lead to an unhealthy addiction. You may get yellowish or brownish stain on your teeth.
Foods
There are many foods that can stain teeth. Tomatoes, curry spices, and even berries can stain teeth enamel. Even healthy salads made with balsamic vinaigrette may leave disconcerting colors on your teeth.
Drinks
Coffee and tea are the most common cause, along with red and white wine. Other culprits include dark and light sodas as well as sports drinks with artificial flavoring.
Antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics can stain teeth that are still developing in the gums. According to the National Intitutes of Health, if your mother took antibiotics in the second half of her pregnancies (or before age eight), then permanent staining could occur and you will need to have an in-office bleaching procedure.
Fluorosis
Fluoride is good for teeth, but too much can cause yellowish or brownish spots known as fluorosis. Fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water are the best sources. Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about fluoride levels in your child’s or your own toothpaste.
Accidents
Cracks in the enamel of teeth can be caused by trauma or accident. This can also cause damage to the tooth’s interior. This can cause discoloration which could lead to bleeding and require professional attention.
Grinding
Tooth grinding is a habit some people have that they develop while under stress, especially when they’re sleeping. This is also known as bruxism. This dangerous habit can lead to tooth enamel becoming weaker and yellower, eventually leading to cracks.