Many people associate a bright white smile with youth, confidence, and success; however, not everyone has attractive teeth. If you have yellow teeth, it is easy to feel embarrassed about your appearance. You have probably tried a few OTC whitening products, but you likely didn’t achieve the results you had wanted because not all stains are the same. Identifying the source of discoloration is essential to revamp your smile. Here are a few of the most common causes of yellow or brown teeth and what can be done to revamp your pearly whites.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth come in several colors and shades, naturally. Not to mention, various factors can affect their color. While brown and yellow stains are the most common, teeth can also have a blue or gray tint, which originates from the tooth structure and is difficult to treat. While yellow is the most common type of discoloration, it is much easier to treat, depending on the underlying cause. While every situation differs, the most prevalent causes of yellow or brown teeth include:
- Age: Teeth change color over the years from various factors, like wear and tear.
- Genetics: If one of your parents has darker teeth, yours are likely to be a similar color.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Years of poor oral hygiene habits can cause stains and tartar buildup.
- Smoking: Tobacco can leave tar and nicotine stains on your teeth.
- Thin Enamel: Thin enamel will cause more of your yellowish dentin to be visible.
- Foods and Drinks: Frequently consuming dark foods and drinks can lead to discoloration.
Unfortunately, no amount of brushing can reverse discoloration. In addition, OTC products won’t provide you with the improvement you want because they don’t contain professional-grade whitening agents. The only way to achieve the drastic results you desire is with the help of your cosmetic dentist.
How Are Yellow Teeth Treated?
Scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist is your first step to a whiter smile. They will examine your mouth to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, which is a requirement for any elective service. If they find any untreated dental problems, like tooth decay or gum disease, they must be addressed before moving forward with a customized treatment plan, like:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can become up to 8 shades whiter after a single appointment with an in-office whitening system.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can achieve in-office improvement using an at-home kit for 2 weeks.
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers cover discoloration while also correcting other aesthetic concerns, like chips, gaps, and cracks.
A dazzling smile is possible. Contact your dentist today to find out what’s causing your yellow teeth.
About Dr. Jennifer Reed
Dr. Reed earned her dental degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry before furthering her education to earn her certificate in prosthodontics. She has regularly continued her training to provide many advanced specialties, including cosmetic dentistry. Contact our office today to request your consultation for a picture-perfect smile.
