Yellow Teeth? 5 Things That May Be to Blame

If you look in the mirror and remember your smile being whiter than it is now, you’re not alone. Many adults wish that they could have that camera-ready smile and leave their yellow teeth behind for good. Our Mullins cosmetic dentist can help you do exactly that, but first, it’s wise to look at the root cause of your smile’s discoloration.

Here’s what you need to know about discolored teeth and the common reasons that largely cause it to happen.

Tooth Discoloration: What Is It?

Tooth discoloration is exactly what it sounds like: a change in the color of your teeth. This change isn’t typically one that you’d like to see, however. Teeth that are discolored are often dull, yellow, or brown in appearance. You could also develop white or dark spots on your teeth.

Many patients know what’s causing their tooth discoloration, but some are surprised to see their pearly whites go from light to dark. Dr. Blevins can conduct a quick oral examination and ask you questions about your health history, diet, and more to narrow down the list of causes.

From there, we can discuss possible cosmetic solutions like teeth whitening or single-visit porcelain veneers. We want you to feel comfortable moving forward so let us know what would make you the most confident.

If Your Teeth Are Yellow, It May Be Because Of:

1. A Lack of Consistent Oral Care

All dentists, including ours, recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily. This type of routine helps to remove left behind food particles and plaque that has formed on or in between your teeth.

Aside from preventing cavities, regular oral hygiene can also keep your teeth from turning an unappealing shade. If you have been a little lax or forgetful about brushing and flossing, that could explain your tooth discoloration.

Oral care at home paired with a teeth cleaning every 6 months will help you clear away stain producing substances and put a stop to damaging tooth decay.

2. Regular Smoking or Use of Tobacco

Using tobacco products is not great for your overall health. Smoking, in particular, also affects your oral health as the habit can noticeably stain teeth. This is why many long-term smokers have yellow or brown teeth among other health issues.

The best way to improve your smile if you smoke is to quit. Dr. Blevins also recommends that you brush your teeth multiple times a day and floss to combat the negative oral effects smoking has caused. We also offer at-home teeth whitening that uses a safe, but powerful dental-grade gel to brighten your teeth.

3. The Aging Process

Sometimes the only thing you’re doing to cause discolored teeth is naturally aging. Yes, when we age it is possible that our teeth will fade and not be as white as we remember. That’s because the outer layer of enamel on your teeth becomes worn and as it disappears, it reveals the color of dentin.

Dentin is the softer layer of tissue underneath your hard enamel. It’s yellow and works to protect the nerves located inside your tooth’s inner pulp. Its color has a large impact on your tooth’s appearance as thanks to the transparency of enamel, is how dentin shows. Dr. Blevins can work with you to figure out the best solution if your age has affected how your teeth look.

4. The Foods or Drinks You Consume

Unfortunately, some of our favorite foods and drinks stain our teeth. That includes red wine, coffee, tea, and certain fruits and vegetables. Because it can be difficult to stop consuming a few of these offenders, our dentist recommends brushing your teeth regularly and using an oral mouth rinse not too long after drinking or eating.

What you really want to prevent is the stain sitting on your teeth for long periods of time. Brushing or rinsing that cup of coffee away can put a damper on the unwanted transformation of your smile. Dr. Blevins can also speak with you about professionally whitening your teeth and how that treatment could help you achieve a desired shade.

5. Medications Taken

If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or taking certain prescription medications, it can result in discolored teeth. There isn’t much you can do to prevent this from happening, especially if the treatment is medically necessary. However, Dr. Blevins can advise you on oral hygiene tips and whether teeth whitening would be appropriate.

Make Your Dreams a Reality

Take charge and say goodbye to yellow teeth! Our cosmetic dentist in Mullins, SC, can help you get started with several cosmetic solutions designed to beautifully transform your smile. Call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039 to request an appointment.