Dental health plays a key role in your overall well-being. A luminous and beaming smile wonderfully enhances your confidence and appearance. However, many individuals face the problem of yellow teeth, making them conscious of their smile. Fortunately, many ways will help you change the colour of your teeth. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the most common causes for yellow teeth and how to prevent the colour change. So, without any further delay, let’s begin!
Tooth pain can arise from many underlying issues ranging from small irritations to severe dental problems. Here are some of the common causes of tooth pain under crown.
Not brushing and flossing daily leads to the accumulation of a sticky plaque on the teeth. When the plaque remains on your teeth, it hardens and turns to calcified deposits, known as tartar. Both trap food particles and waste products from bacteria, leading to staining and discolouration. The build-up of sticky plaque and tartar is what causes yellow teeth which will further lead to gum issues and cavities if not brushed and flossed properly.
Sometimes, teeth discolouration runs within the family. Suppose one of your parents has yellowish teeth. In that case, you will likely have the same. Genetics also play a key role in teeth discolouration and yellow teeth. Your genetics highly determine the enamel shade and thickness. A few individuals inherit genes that naturally result in thinner enamel or the outer protective layer with a tint of yellow colour.
Specific pigmented foods like coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and some sauces are some causes for yellow teeth. They have a compound called chromogens, infamous for damaging tooth enamel. Long-term consumption of such pigmented foods without proper dental habits can make your teeth yellowish. So, it is better to avoid these food items.
People with some health issues often take medications for better health. Certain antibiotics can adversely affect oral health, especially when used for a long time. A few antibiotics can hinder the oral microbiota balance possibly resulting in oral thrush or other dental problems. Medications and antibiotics prescribed to avoid bacterial infections on the skin, intestines, respiratory tract, and urinary tract can result in teeth discolouration.
Fluoride is a good ingredient for teeth and contributes to its strength. However, using excessive fluoride can result in a condition known as fluorosis, which leads to yellow or brown spots on your teeth. Excessive fluoride in kids exposes them to enamel damage, leading to changes in teeth appearance. It is mostly noticeable in children, whose permanent teeth are still developing. Fluorosis is a reason for yellowish teeth and becomes challenging to remove from regular cleaning.
The teeth’s outermost layer is called enamel. A substance known as dentin is present under the enamel and has a yellowish appearance. When the enamel is worn off, the dentin underneath becomes highly visible. Therefore, your teeth change colour and turn yellow because of the enamel removal and the dentin visibility.
Smoking is among the most common causes for yellow teeth. Nicotine from this habit makes it an unhealthy addiction and leaves traces of brown and yellow colours on your teeth. It also contributes to the accumulation of tartar on your teeth which is challenging to remove. This deposition adversely impacts your teeth’ enamel, leading to weak teeth and stringent damage such as tooth loss and infections. Constant smoking leads to dark and yellow teeth that seep deep into the enamel.
General wear and tear of your teeth leads to a yellow colour. Teeth tolerate daily use, from multiple mechanical forces to chewing food, and such wear can slowly alter the appearance. As enamel gets thinner because of daily use, teeth turn yellowish. When the outer protective layer of teeth wears out, your teeth are more vulnerable to stains due to food particles and drinks, further aggravating the yellowish impact. While some wear and tear are imminent, maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and searching for professional care to alleviate this wear and tear can help you prevent yellow teeth.
Teeth trauma like an adverse effect or injury is one of the main causes for yellow teeth. When your teeth experience any trauma, it leads to blood vessel damage within the tooth, resulting in internal bleeding or haemorrhage. As time passes, this internal bleeding causes yellowish teeth because the blood pigment breaks down and is seen through the enamel. Trauma also results in fractures and minor cracks, trapping food particles and making your teeth yellow.
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can result in yellowish teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching excessively pressurises the enamel, resulting in wear and abrasion. The creation of mechanical forces during teeth grinding leads to uneven surfaces and microfractures, trapping food particles.
Now you know the causes of yellow teeth. So, how can you prevent them? A few measures to avoid yellowish teeth are discussed below:
