You’ve heard it before: your smile is the first thing someone notices about you. Most everyone would like to make a great first impression with a bright, white smile, so it’s frustrating when you notice that your teeth are becoming discolored. If you find yourself asking “Why are my teeth yellow?”, we’ll explain some of the main causes . . .
Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
Your teeth may be yellow because of . . .
Poor dental hygiene.
Check yourself here first! If you’re skipping out on daily brushing and flossing, this could be your biggest problem. Together, brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash are very effective at removing tartar and plaque buildup, which will yellow your teeth over time. Proper dental hygiene is the best way to keep your teeth looking clean and white.
Certain foods and beverages.
This is another big culprit. There are many foods and drinks with staining agents in them that, over time, discolor your teeth. Here are a few that may be the cause behind the yellowing:
- Sodas and sports drinks
- Red wine
- Black tea
- Sugary and/or artificially colored snacks
- Some sauces like curry or sweet chili sauce
If you’re an avid Diet Coke drinker or have a big sweet tooth, you may want to avoid these items when you can in order to gain whiter teeth. At the very least, be conscious of your eating and drinking habits and brush after consuming these foods.
Cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
Tobacco use majorly contributes to yellowing teeth. What’s more is that these stains, once formed, are pretty stubborn—it’s not as easy to remove them with teeth whitening. One more reason to quit, right?
Age.
Unlike the above causes, this one isn’t something you can prevent. Yellowing teeth are simply part of the natural aging process: that once-white coating wears down over time.
Genetics.
Like age, this one isn’t entirely preventable. People are born with different kinds of enamel—some thicker, some thinner—so some people are more prone to discolored teeth.
Illness.
Certain illnesses can cause a person’s teeth to yellow. For example, chemotherapy—especially for head and neck conditions—sometimes has that effect. Some medications also can create discolored teeth. If you’re wondering why your teeth are yellow and none of the above causes fit you, talk with your physician about whether your treatments and medications might be the reason.
So, what about prevention?
Nobody wants yellow teeth. Preventing them could mean a lifestyle change or two: quitting smoking, keeping up diligently with oral hygiene, or cutting back on soda. Each of these will slow down the discoloration process.
There are many ways to remove those stains and get your teeth to sparkle once more—from at-home kits to treatments in your dentist’s office. Each method has a different effectiveness, so you’ll want to consult with your dental professional to see what will suit you best.
Still asking yourself “Why are my teeth yellow?” If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. We would be happy to discuss teeth discoloration with you and the options you have for treating them. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!