Are you concerned about the health of your teeth because they aren’t white? Many people think that having yellow teeth is a sign of an unhealthy smile and poor oral hygiene. While there is nothing wrong with wanting whiter teeth, there also may be nothing wrong with your oral health or oral care routine if your teeth are slightly yellowish. Here’s why:
Natural Enamel Thickness & Translucency
Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish color. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone, but more so for those with naturally thinner or more translucent enamel. So your yellow teeth may be perfectly normal due to your genetics!
Lifestyle Factors
Although genetics plays a big role in the base color of your teeth, the color of your teeth is also affected by your lifestyle habits. Other factors that contribute to thin enamel or excessive discoloration include:
- Bruxism (or teeth grinding)
- Brushing with activated charcoal
- Brushing with lemon juice & baking soda
- Brushing too vigorously
- Using a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles (we recommend soft!)
- Drinking coffee, tea, wine, and dark-colored sodas
- Eating candy, sweet treats, citrus, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes
- Chewing tobacco and smoking
- Plaque accumulation
- Tooth decay
How to Achieve a Brighter Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
In an attempt to whiten their smile, many patients purchase whitening products in the form of toothpaste, mouthwash, pens, and strips, or try out questionable dental fads. But many of these products and fads are either ineffective or damage enamel, causing sensitivity and further discoloration. So if you’re self-conscious about your yellowing teeth, talk to our expert team! We can recommend a safe course of action that’s right for you in brightening up your smile:
- We offer two safe whitening methods that deliver dazzling results: one-visit professional teeth whitening and take-home whitening trays.
- Porcelain veneers is another option to upgrade your smile. These thin porcelain shells are specially-designed for you, bond to your teeth, and cover up imperfections in color and shape.
How to Reduce Future Yellowing
There are also things you can do to limit further yellowing due to lifestyle factors:
- Temper your consumption of foods and beverages that tend to cause damage and discoloration
- Drink plenty of water, especially with staining foods and drinks
- Quit smoking
- Ask us about a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Be sure to brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste
A Brighter Smile Is within Reach!
If you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing every day, and visiting us every six months for a cleaning and checkup, slightly yellow teeth do not necessarily indicate that they are unhealthy. At your exam, we can determine if you have tooth decay that needs to be addressed or if your oral hygiene routine could be improved. Contact us if you want more information about professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, or would like to schedule your next checkup at Prairie Dental Group.
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FAQs
Some people think that yellow teeth are a sign of poor oral hygiene. However, that's not always the case. A healthy, white smile is on just about everybody's wish list, but it's crucial to achieve this goal by prioritizing your well-being and achieving effective results.
Are yellow teeth a sign of poor oral health? ›
Yellowing on its own is rarely a sign of a problem, but there are times when a yellowish tinge can be a sign of a more serious issue. For instance, some discoloration can occur as a result of excess tartar buildup, which can leave you at risk for gum disease, deep infections, and eventual tooth loss.
What are yellow teeth a sign of? ›
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age. Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of stained teeth, especially in children.
What do dentists say about yellow teeth? ›
Yellow teeth are not unhealthier than white teeth. However, yellowing can be a sign of poor oral hygiene or infection in the mouth. So while the yellowing itself is not a cause of poor oral health, it can indicate poor oral health.
What deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
A calcium deficiency can lead to teeth discoloration as well as tooth loss. However, this type of vitamin deficiency is rare because most people get plenty of calcium through their diet. Some good ways to consume calcium are dairy products and leafy greens.
Are yellow teeth healthy? ›
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Although heavy staining and yellow plaque deposits aren't healthy, it's very possible for yellowish teeth to be absolutely clean and healthy. Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
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.
Why are my teeth so yellow even though I brush them? ›
Even if you're brushing your teeth well every day, your enamel thinning can lead to yellow teeth. While these changes can happen with time, you can help prevent staining in several ways. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings.
Are yellow teeth a sign of gum disease? ›
While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar. Dental plaque develops due to bacteria in the mouth combined with food byproducts and proteins.
Why do teeth turn yellow with age? ›
As we get older, the porous outer layer of enamel on our teeth begins to thin. This allows the naturally yellow material beneath it, called dentin, to show through more prominently. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, giving your teeth a yellow tint.
It's important to remember that dentists don't go into their profession to judge people; they go into it to help them. No matter what your oral health condition is, a good dentist will not make you feel bad about it.
Can a dentist get rid of yellow teeth? ›
If you have started to notice your teeth are starting to look stained or darker, and are looking for ways to get rid of yellow teeth, there are a few treatments to consider. There are three main options, which include home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and professional whitening under the care of a dentist.
How to get rid of yellow teeth overnight? ›
No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others. Natural or over-the-counter treatment may take longer than treatments at the dentist's office. Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each.
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.
What is the number one cause of yellow teeth? ›
Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth, but red and white wine are also to blame. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavoring. Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they're developing in the gums.
Does vitamin D help with yellow teeth? ›
The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth
Enamel Hypoplasia: This condition involves the underdevelopment of tooth enamel and can result from vitamin D deficiency during tooth formation. Teeth with enamel hypoplasia are more prone to decay and staining, leading to a yellow appearance.
Do yellow teeth mean bad breath? ›
Discolored teeth and halitosis go hand-in-hand. Halitosis, also known as bad breath, occurs when bacteria is permitted to grow within the mouth. This bacteria has the potential to cause everything from teeth staining to dry mouth, sinus infections, bronchitis, liver or kidney issues, acid reflux and other conditions.
Why are my teeth yellow with good hygiene? ›
Watch out for red wine, coffee and tea
These everyday habits could be the reason why your teeth are no longer as white as they once were. Tea, coffee and red wine all contain chemicals called tannins, which cause stains to form on the surfaces of teeth.
Is it OK if my teeth are a little yellow? ›
If your teeth are more of an off-white or yellowish-white, that doesn't necessarily mean they're unhealthy. That could just be their natural state! Contrary to popular opinion, teeth the bright white of piano keys is not in fact the norm.
