Yellow teeth can effect your confidence and willingness to smile. Here are ten common causes of this undesirable tinge from a teeth whitening and personal care products manufacturer-Onuge.
1. Genetics
Sometimes, tooth color runs in the family. If one of your parents’ teeth is yellow, it’s likely that yours are a similar hue.
2. Staining of the enamel
Enamel is like a glass window that we look through to see the natural underlying white color of our tooth. Whenever the enamel or ‘window’ is stained it veils the natural white colour of your teeth and your teeth appear yellow or darker than they naturally are.
3. Wears
Your Teeth turn yellow as you get older when the enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age.
4. Smoking
Nicotine from smoking doesn’t just develop an unhealthy addiction; it leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth, too (just another reason to kick the habit).
5. Foods
A wide range of foods stains teeth. Tomatoes in pasta sauce, curry spices, beetroot, and berries all contain pigments that cling to tooth enamel and stain this surface. Even a healthy salad with balsamic vinegar dressing can leave an unsightly color on your teeth.
6. Drinks
Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth, but red and white wine are also to blame. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavoring.
7. Antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they’re developing in the gums. According to the National Institutes of Health, if your mother took antibiotics in the second half of her pregnancy, or you took them before the age of eight, you may have interior staining in the dentin or tooth bone.
8. Fluorosis
Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride. Ask your dentist if you’re concerned you or your child is taking too much through these means.
9. Accidents
The impact of an accident or physical trauma can crack tooth enamel and damage the tooth’s interior, leading to discoloration that may indicate bleeding that needs professional attention.
10. Grinding
Tooth grinding is an unconscious habit some people have when they’re stressed, especially while asleep. Also known as bruxism, it’s quite harmful to tooth enamel, weakening it to the point of cracking and yellowing.
Avoiding Yellow Teeth
A good oral health routine such as thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day to prevent yellow surface stains is a must. Floss your teeth once a day or use Onuge home use whitening products.
