White teeth is often considered a sign of beauty. Its no wonder that people spend millions on cosmetic treatments. But there are several reasons why your teeth become yellow or become discoloured?
Here are some reasons to consider:
Your enamel
Some people are born with teeth that appear more yellow (or white). This is simply because of the thickness of your tooth enamel. Your enamel is semi-translucent. So if it is thin, the naturally yellowish colour of your dentin (the hard, dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel) will show through. Unfortunately, there is no way to increase the thickness of your enamel, but everyone can prevent further thinning.
Your age
Have you ever noticed how white a young child’s teeth are compared to an adult? This is because yellowing is a natural part of the aging process. As we age, our enamel thins and the yellow colour of dentin becomes more prominent.
Foods that you eat
The foods we eat play an important role in how white our teeth are. A steady diet that is high in sugar and starches, without proper dental hygiene, can cause bacteria fermentation. This leads to enamel erosion. Foods that contain high levels of tannin, such as wine, tea and coffee, and dark foods such as blueberries and curry spices can stain your teeth. Also, while foods and beverages that are acidic can wear down your enamel, causing the yellowish colour of the dentin to show through.You will be surprised by the acidity in tomato sauces, sports drinks and sodas contain.
While you don’t have to avoid these foods and beverages completely, dentists recommend protecting your teeth by limiting the intake of carbonated soft drinks, acidic sports drinks and sweetened liquids. Swish your mouth with water to dilute sugar and acid, brush regularly and get regular dental cleanings to remove plaque build-up.
Smoking habits
The number one reason for yellow teeth is lifestyle – the foods we eat, our oral hygiene, smoking and chewing tobacco. With smoking, the nicotine from the tobacco leaves a yellowish or brownish stain on the surface of your teeth.
Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances can cause tooth discoloration. Neglect can also allow acid to build up which can etch the enamel of teeth and allow the more yellowish inner dentin to show through. Fortunately, this is a very easy challenge to correct.
Swish with water after eating and brush regularly with a fluoride-based toothpaste to keep teeth clean and as white as possible. Then, don’t put off your bi-annual professional cleanings.
Some of your meds
A number of common medicines used to fight illnesses can also cause discolouration of our teeth. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolour teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing. Minocycline, a derivative of tetracycline, often prescribed to fight acne, can also cause teeth staining. Antihistamines and antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure can also cause teeth discoloration. If this is a concern for you, be sure to go over your medications with your doctor to avoid surprise side effects.
Finally, if discoloration is a concern, be cautious of mouth rinses containing antibacterial agents chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride that can stain your teeth.
Certain illness
Certain medical conditions affect tooth enamel such as dry mouth (xerostomia), acid reflux (GERD) and gastrointestinal problems. These can contribute to erosion of your teeth’s enamel exposing the dentin below. Yellowing can also occur after suffering high fever at a young age or neonatal jaundice, and with Sickle Cell Disease.
In addition, chemotherapy and/or radiation not only kill cancer harmful cells but can harm cells in the mouth causing teeth to become more of a brownish color. The treatment can also affect salivary glands, causing a dry mouth which can lead to erosion of enamel. If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, be sure to add your dentist to your medical team throughout the process.
The water you drink
While fluoride is good for your teeth, excessive fluoride can actually yellow teeth. It’s called “Fluorosis” and occurs primarily in areas where drinking water contains high levels of naturally occurring fluoride, such as well water.
Your genes
Inherited disorders that cause teeth to develop improperly, such as dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogensis imperfecta, can also cause discoloration of teeth. In the former, the teeth may appear blue-gray or yellow-brown in color, and in the latter, teeth may appear small, discolored, and pitted or grooved. In both cases, the teeth are often weaker than normal making them prone to rapid wear, breakage and loss. Generally, teeth whitening (bleaching) is not recommended for these disorders since the underlying cause is the yellow-brown dentin of the teeth.
Injuries or trauma
An accident that damages the tooth’s interior can lead to discoloration. In some cases, there can be bleeding that needs professional attention. If you or someone you know cracks a tooth, call your dentist for an evaluation.
Bruxism
Grinding your teeth is known as bruxism. The habit can cause weakening of teeth, including cracking and yellowing. The challenge with grinding is that it’s often done at night. If you believe you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a guard to protect your teeth.
Faulty tooth brushing
Although regular tooth brushing and flossing is recommended by dentists, overzealous brushing can lead to wearing of your teeth. This is known as ” Abrasion “. This causes the teeth to become yellow as the enamel wears out more than normal. It is, therefore, recommended that you brush your teeth with a good tooth brush and with the right technique. Please talk to your dentist regarding the correct tooth brushing methods.
Since healthy teeth are important for a beautiful smile, proper dental hygiene and regular dental check ups continue to be the best prevention against yellowing teeth. Removing food that can cause bacteria is important as is removing plaque and tarter that appears yellow. A professional cleaning will also remove staining. While you’re there, if you aren’t happy with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist to learn which teeth whitening treatment might work best for you.
