Yellow teeth can happen even if you take great care of your teeth. Chances are, your teeth have gradually yellowed over time, so you might not have noticed the changes right away. If you smoke, there’s a good chance that the tobacco is responsible for your yellow teeth (as well as an increased risk for oral and general health problems).
But even if you don’t smoke, there are a few surprising factors that can also stain and discolor your teeth over time.
At Manhasset Dental Arts, our dentists and dental team offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for the entire family at our office in Manhasset, New York.
How your teeth become yellow over time
Like our bodies, our teeth (and how white they look) are affected by a number of internal and external factors. Things like diet, lifestyle, genetics, medical conditions, medications, and trauma can lead to oral health problems and cosmetic damage to your smile.
The most common causes of yellow and stained teeth include:
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Tea
- Dark berries and sauces
- Highly acidic foods and dressings
But diet is just one factor that can make your teeth look dull and yellow over time. As we get older, the enamel layer that protects the surface of our teeth gets thinner, making them more vulnerable to staining.
Damage to the dentin layer (known as intrinsic stains) inside the tooth can also change the color of the tooth. This type of stain is common with trauma from a fall or accident, or from taking medications like tetracycline in childhood.
How to protect your teeth from turning yellow
The best defense against yellow teeth and common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease is practicing good oral hygiene, cutting out and avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, and going to the dentist twice at least twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning.
Surface (extrinsic) dental stains caused by things like smoking and drinking coffee can usually be fixed with professional teeth whitening treatments. Some dental stains don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments, so cosmetic bonding or veneers are usually recommended instead.
If your teeth look yellow or if you’re unhappy with your smile, we can help! For more information about professional teeth whitening treatments and the cosmetic dentistry services we offer at Manhasset Dental Arts, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Manhasset, New York.