Why Are My Teeth So Yellow?

Have you ever wished that your smile was a little bit whiter? If so, you’re not alone. There are several ways that your teeth can start to yellow if you aren’t careful, some of which you have more control over than others. If you want to know a little more about what could be discoloring your teeth, and what you could do about it, here’s a guide with some information that can help you.

What Can Cause Yellow Teeth?

Diet

First of all, there are a lot of foods and drinks that can potentially discolor your teeth. Coffee, red wine, soy sauce, tomato paste, and other dark, acidic foods can all stain your enamel if you eat them to excess.

Age

Your enamel is much lighter than the interior layers of the tooth, so as it thins, your teeth will naturally look darker. In general, your enamel becomes thinner and more transparent as you age, meaning that your teeth can become considerably more yellow.

Genetics

Like many things, the color of your enamel is dependent on your genetics. Some people just have yellower teeth than others, even if they take better care of their teeth.

Smoking

Finally, smoking any kind of tobacco is obviously awful for your oral health in a myriad of ways, but discoloring your teeth is definitely one of them. Smoking can easily turn your teeth yellow, or even gray if you aren’t careful.

What to Do About Yellow Teeth

If you have yellow teeth, there are thankfully plenty of things that you can do about that. The first, of course, is to cut out some of the risk factors listed above; but for some of them, that’s impossible.

For others, you can make use of various whitening solutions that may be able to help you. Professional whitening treatments can be incredibly effective, and capable of giving you a smile up to eight shades whiter within as little as one appointment!

However, for extreme discoloration, even this may not be enough. You may need direct bonding or veneers to cover up any yellowing.   

About the Author

Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti has been working in dentistry for over two decades, and she has always gone above and beyond to help her patients thrive. She loves being able to get to know her patients on an individual level, and to find the perfect treatment plan for their needs. Dr. Ponnaganti graduated from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and she has since become a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

If you have any questions about how to prevent your teeth from yellowing, she can be reached at her website. You can also reach her at her Clearwater location by calling (727) 443-6305.