Yellow teeth: learn how to avoid it

Will I have to live my whole life with a yellow smile?

We answer all your questions in this article.

We have all experienced this scenario at some point in our lives. When we go to brush our teeth, we look at the mirror and come across a yellow smile that makes us embarrassed and makes us hide the way we smile naturally.

We are our own worst critics, we magnify the problem, but it is true that the teeth turn yellow and in some people this color is very pronounced.

Have you ever wondered why this happens?

The good news is that yellowing teeth are not a sign of a serious problem with your teeth, but just an aesthetic problem. To achieve a successful smile that improves your self-confidence , we have several treatments that make it possible to recover the color of your teeth to a bright white color.

The starting point should be to find out the reason why the teeth are turning yellow. These aesthetic issues of yellow teeth can be associated with a simple cause as in some cases they are associated with more complex issues. Once the cause has been identified, we study the best way to correct it.

The main causes that lead to the origin of yellow teeth

GENETICS

Sometimes we only think about the genetic cause after all other hypotheses have been discarded. Yellow teeth can be a family feature. If our parents tend to have yellow teeth, there is an increased likelihood that we ourselves will also have yellow teeth.

The color of the teeth has a great variability and depends on the hue, chroma and value. Some teeth are naturally gray, reddish gray, reddish brown, yellow , and reddish-yellow. Color variations tend to be within this general spectrum, but teeth aren’t always just white.

DENTIN

In many cases who seek aesthetic dentistry, they are patients with yellow teeth and who are often associated with variations in the visibility of the dentin.

Dentin is a yellowish or brownish tissue that is located below the enamel. Often, when tooth enamel becomes thinner for any reason, dentin manifests itself and the yellowish or brownish color is more evident.

AGE

This factor is inevitable. We will all get older and as we get older the teeth start to lose their enamel due to the wear and tear of aging.

Acidic foods and drinks that we consume daily, the mechanics associated with the chewing process are factors that lead to the loss of enamel over time. As mentioned earlier, this allows the dentin to show more prominently.

SMOKE

Nicotine, one of the most dominant ingredients in tobacco products, specifically cigarettes – leads to lung problems and causes cancer among a host of other diseases. Nicotine also leaves a yellow-brown discoloration that is very difficult to remove on the teeth and appears especially for very active smokers.

FEEDING

There are many foods that will stain your teeth. Berries, certain spices such as chili powder, and vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes can stain your teeth over time. The pigments in these foods adhere to the enamel , staining it and leaving the teeth discolored.

ANTIBIOTICS AND OTHER MEDICATIONS

Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline or tetracycline and other antibiotics, can lead to the appearance of stains on the teeth during the treatment period. Even medications such as antihistamines, lisinopril, cipralex, and seroquel can also stain teeth.

It can even affect young children and even babies still in the womb. The National Institute of Health has done research that concludes that if antibiotics such as doxycycline are taken during the second half of pregnancy or before the age of eight, they can cause a permanent pigmentation of the teeth and requires aesthetic dental treatment to correct.

FLUOROSIS

Exposure to excess fluoride can cause a condition known as fluorosis. This condition turns teeth brown or yellow and comes from overconsumption of the main sources of fluoride – fluoride-treated water, toothpaste, and fluoride tablets.

DENTAL TRAUMA

Dental trauma that causes irreversible damage to the teeth leading to fracture of tooth enamel and damage to the inner layers of the teeth, can cause reddish pigmentation that can be a sign of bleeding. This condition would need medical treatment to resolve this situation.

BRUXISM

Bruxism is just a medical term for the habit of grinding your teeth. It is a habit that people develop mainly due to stress overload and usually happens during (night) sleep, however, there is also daytime bruxism. It can weaken the enamel until it fractures and starts to turn yellow.

Tips that help improve yellow teeth

Here are 5 natural tips that can help with yellow teeth at home:

1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxideUsing a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help reduce yellowing of your teeth. A 2012 study found that using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reduces tooth staining and improves whitening.
2. Vitamin CUn a 2007 study found that vitamin C deficiency can exacerbate periodontitis, which is characterized by bacterial proliferation on the teeth and gums and this factor contributes to tooth discoloration. More research is needed to know if consuming vitamin C can have an effect on teeth whitening.
3. Fruit enzymesWhen added to toothpaste, certain enzymes in the fruits can help improve yellow teeth. A 2012 study found that toothpastes containing the enzyme in papaya, papaya, and pineapple help remove tooth stains.
4. Apple cider vinegarWhen used in small amounts, apple cider vinegar can reduce stains on teeth and improve the white color of the tooth. A 2014 study found that apple cider vinegar has a whitening effect on teeth. Apple cider vinegar can damage the surface of your teeth if used too often due to the acidity.
5. Coconut oilA 2015 study found that coconut oil may be an effective way to reduce plaque on teeth. The buildup of plaque contributes to yellowing of the teeth.

Aesthetic dental treatments for yellow teeth

When the stains on your teeth are a little more severe, dental treatment by professionals may be necessary to correct any pigmentation.

• Teeth whitening at home
• Laser teeth whitening
• Ceramic veneers or covers

It is a natural condition for teeth to turn slightly yellow as a person ages and the enamel becomes more eroded.

Yellowing associated with plaque build-up can be reduced with efficient and regular oral hygiene. Avoiding foods that can stain the teeth is also a solution that prevents them from yellowing.

The best way to keep your teeth healthy is through diet and a good oral hygiene routine.