What’s Causing Your Tooth Discoloration?

Bright white teeth are associated with confidence, youth, and success. Unfortunately, a white smile doesn’t come naturally to many people. Not to mention, various factors affect the color of your teeth. If you’re embarrassed by stains and discoloration, OTC whitening products won’t give you the results you want because several issues contribute to yellow teeth. Here’s what you need to know to determine what’s behind your discoloration and how you can restore your pearly whites,

Top Causes of Yellow Teeth

Teeth come in a variety of shades and tones naturally. It is normal for teeth to change color over the years for various reasons. Yellow and brown teeth are more common than those with a grayish or bluish color, which originate from within the tooth and are more difficult to treat. Thankfully, teeth that look yellow are easier to treat, depending on the underlying cause, which can include:

Enamel Loss

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the inner layers of your tooth. Although it’s the hardest substance in your body, it gets thinner over the years, such as from aggressive brushing habits or wear and tear. As enamel erosion occurs, more of your yellowish dentist will be visible, which can make your teeth look darker. 

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you don’t brush twice daily or floss every night, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth. Eventually, it can lead to discoloration. Improving your oral hygiene habits won’t remove the stains, but it can prevent additional buildup to keep common oral health issues at bay, like tooth decay.

Bad Habits

Smoking is a leading contributor to discoloration. Tar and nicotine are known to stain teeth. Kicking the habits will help safeguard your smile from additional staining.

Dark Foods and Drinks

Your enamel is porous, which means residue from foods and drinks can seep into the small holes. Frequently consuming darkly pigmented foods and drinks can lead to stains. If you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee or a glass of red wine with dinner, rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished it.

Revitalize Your Smile With Teeth Whitening

If you’re not happy with the color of your teeth, don’t waste money on OTC products. They don’t contain professional-strength whitening agents, so they won’t have any effect on brown or yellow teeth. Instead, you’ll need to visit your cosmetic dentist to achieve the drastic improvement you desire.

Your teeth can become up to 8 shades whiter in 1 afternoon using an in-office system from your dentist. As an alternative, you can achieve professional results from the comfort of your home using a take-home kit from your dentist. 

Don’t hide your teeth any longer. Your cosmetic dentist has the solution you need to restore a bright, youthful smile you’ll be proud to share with the world.

About Dr. Mark D. Medaugh

Dr. Medaugh earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania before continuing his education in advanced services, like cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you’re ready to improve your smile, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.