Why do teeth turn yellow? Causes, Prevention and Treatment

While celebrities and models can boast pearly white teeth, most people's smiles are a little more yellowish. But that shouldn't be too surprising.

Many things can affect the color of your teeth and turn them into the dreaded yellowish hue. This can make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance and hesitate to smile.

An abnormal tooth color is considered to be anything other than white or yellowish white, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

Most causes of tooth discoloration fall into two main categories: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Yellowing can also be caused by a wide range of health factors, from medication use to improper brushing.

extrinsic stains

Extrinsic stains affect the enamel surface. It is the outermost and hardest layer of the teeth. These stains can usually be removed or corrected.

“The #1 cause of yellow teeth is lifestyle,” said Dr. Justin Philipp of J. Philipp Dentistry, in Chandler, Arizona. “Smoking, drinking coffee and tea are the worst factors”.

The tar and nicotine in tobacco are chemicals that can cause yellow stains on the surface of your teeth. As a general rule, any food or drink that can stain clothing can also stain your teeth.

So this is why dark colored foods and drinks including red wine, colas, chocolate and dark sauces can alter your teeth. Also, some fruits and vegetables have the potential to stain your teeth.

These items are rich in chromogens, pigment-producing substances that can adhere to tooth enamel. Popsicles and candy are other foods that are likely to stain your teeth.

Acidic foods and drinks can promote stains by eroding tooth enamel. They facilitate the retention of pigments in the teeth. Lack of dental care, such as improper brushing and flossing, and lack of regular dental cleanings can impede the removal of stain-producing substances.

intrinsic stains

Intrinsic stains occur within the internal structure of the tooth, called dentin. This makes these stains more difficult to remove. Numerous medications can cause intrinsic tooth staining. Antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline cause this effect in children with developing teeth.

Women who take tetracycline after the fourth month of pregnancy or while breastfeeding can cause their child to have yellow baby teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Undergoing chemotherapy treatments can result in intrinsic staining. Even some relatively common drugs, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications, can sometimes turn your teeth yellow.

While fluoride can be beneficial for your teeth, strengthening enamel and preventing decay, getting too much of the mineral isn't good for your tooth color. Fluorosis, which results from excessive amounts of fluoride, can cause faint white streaks or brown spots on the teeth.

Additional Causes

Aside from stains, some other causes of yellowing teeth include genetics, age, illness and injuries. There are many reasons why some people are more likely to have yellow teeth.

Edita Outericka, director of dentistry at Dynamic Dental in Mansfield, Massachusetts, says "the main reason is genetics."

Dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta are two inherited disorders that cause the teeth to develop improperly and may cause yellowing. Heredity is also the reason why some individuals have naturally brighter or thicker tooth enamel than others.

You might just be born with teeth that look yellower (or whiter) compared to other people's teeth, Outericka said. Part of that has to do with how thick your nail polish is, which is semi-translucent. If you have a thin layer of enamel, the true color of your naturally yellowed dentin will show through.

prevention and treatment

The best prevention for yellow teeth is to watch what you eat and drink, and not smoke. You should also practice good dental hygiene and visit a dentist at least twice a year.

The most easily repaired cause of yellow teeth is poor oral hygiene. When plaque (a film of bacteria that forms on teeth) and tartar build up, they can make teeth appear yellow.

"It's best to have your teeth cleaned regularly by a professional," Outericka said. “This will help remove stains. If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, consult a dentist. “There are several treatments that can lead to a bright white smile,” Outericka said.