Yellow teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing, flossing, and rinsing enough to remove plaque and stain-producing substances.
- Foods/drinks: Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth.
- Smoking: Nicotine from smoking can leave yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth.
- Age: As you age, your tooth enamel can become thinner, allowing yellow dentin to show through.
- Genetics: Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and its often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror.
- Excessive fluoride: Fluorosis, an overexposure to fluoride when youre young, can cause your teeth to appear discolored.
- Disease: Several diseases that affect enamel and dentin can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color.
- Trauma: Damage from a fall can disturb enamel formation in young children whose teeth are still developing. Trauma can also cause discoloration to adult teeth.
- Antibiotics: Tetracycline, an oral antibiotic, may impact the calcium deposition while adult teeth are forming.
- Environment: Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources or from excessive use can cause teeth discoloration.
To prevent yellow teeth, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly. Avoiding or limiting foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can also help. Quitting smoking and reducing exposure to excessive fluoride can also prevent yellow teeth. If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action.
