Yellow Teeth- What Causes Them?

Yellow teeth are commonly associate with aging,this is due to wear and tear over the years. The outer layer of the tooth is known as the enamel, and this is generally white in appearance, however the dentin layer underneath is yellow in colour. If the enamel becomes worn and thin, then the dentin layer becomes exposed, giving the appearance of yellow teeth.

Brushing your teeth too vigorously can wear away the enamel, so make sure you only use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Harsh bristles can scratch the surface of the tooth. Eating fruit is very healthy for your body, however fruits such as oranges and apples contain high levels of acid which can eat into the enamel, causing yellow teeth.

It’s always a good idea to wait an hour after eating fruit before brushing your teeth if you want to avoid getting yellow teeth. If you brush your teeth soon after eating fruit you will be brushing the acid into the teeth. Saliva contains a natural neutraliser and also helps to re mineralise the teeth.

Drinking tea, coffee and red wine can leave stains on your teeth. You could try cutting back on these drinks, or buy teeth whitening strips to bleach them.

Yellow teeth are also a result of smoking. Smokers tend to have yellowing teeth which can look dull and unattractive. If you can’t stop smoking, try to cut back gradually.

Damaged nerves can result in yellow teeth. If the nerve in a tooth is dying then it will have a yellowish tinge.
It’s important to visit your dentist at least once a year for a check up to detect any tooth decay early on. If left too long any decay can spread to the nerve and then a root canal is needed.

Yellow teeth can make you feel very self conscious, especially in social situations. You may be embarrassed to smile in case people see your dull and yellow teeth. Teeth whitening kits can be bought from your local pharmacy. These home whitening kits can whiten dull and yellow teeth very effectively within a few weeks of regular use. You will need to top up frequently if you smoke or drink coffee though.

Flossing your teeth regularly and using interdental brushes can help prevent a build up of plaque and tartar. Tartar can give the teeth a yellow tinge, so dental hygiene is not only important for your oral health but also to keep your teeth sparkling white.

Having yellow teeth doesn’t have to be accepted as part of the aging process or as an unfortunate result of smoking and enjoying your daily cups of coffee and tea. You could opt to have professional teeth whitening done by your dentist, or buy a home teeth whitening kit.

Both will give results, however home kits will take longer to work. You could always try an old fashioned home remedy for whitening discoloured yellow teeth, which is baking soda mixed with a small amount of peroxide. Be very careful with this though and seek advice from a pharmacist as to the strength of peroxide that is safe to use. Very strong peroxide may cause pain and leave your teeth very sensitive.