When it comes to having a lovely smile, yellow teeth are unlikely to be the first thing you think of. Even if your pearly whites are completely uniform, discoloration can keep you from feeling confident in your smile. you may be wondering: what causes teeth to become yellow in the first place? Read on to learn about three causes of yellow teeth as well as what your cosmetic dentist can do to correct them.
3 Causes of Yellowing Teeth
There are several things that can cause one’s smile to become yellow. A few common culprits include:
- Visible dentin – This is the naturally yellow middle layer of a tooth. Worn tooth enamel can let the dentin show through, which will make your smile look yellow.
- Teeth grinding – This happens when you rub together your teeth and can happen either consciously or unconsciously. Also called bruxism, teeth grinding and jaw clenching often occur when someone is sleeping or stressed. This can lead to enamel wear, allowing the dentin to be seen.
- Fluorosis – When someone’s teeth are exposed to too much fluoride, this may lead to fluorosis. This can leave yellow or brownish spots on the teeth.
How to Prevent Yellow Teeth
Fortunately, there are several ways to fix yellow teeth. Some prevention methods include brushing twice daily and flossing every night before bed. You should also visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings. Avoid using tobacco products, and consume alcohol and sugar in moderation. Additionally, drinking beverages through a straw will minimize the amount of contact they have with your teeth.
How to Remove Stains from Yellow Teeth
When it comes to removing stains from discolored teeth, professional whitening treatments are the way to go. In-office teeth whitening offers fast, dramatic results in just one visit. The results will last much longer than those of over-the-counter whitening products, and the professional-grade bleaching agents are safer to use.
How to Cover Up Stains on Yellow Teeth
If your yellow teeth have proven to be resistant to bleaching treatments, you may want to look into ones that can cover up the discoloration. One option is porcelain veneers, which cover the front surface of a tooth. They are color matched to the rest of your smile to ensure that they seamlessly blend in. If the affected tooth is severely damaged or decayed, you may want to consider a root canal treatment followed by a dental crown. Teeth that are too far gone to save may need to be pulled and replaced with dental implants or other restorations.
Over time, yellow teeth may begin to develop naturally. Even so, that doesn’t mean you have to live with a smile you don’t love. Speak with your dentist about the above treatments to learn which one is the best option to give you a gorgeous, white smile!
About the Practice
Do you have discolored or yellow teeth that are preventing you from feeling confident in your pearly whites? Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry offers a range of cosmetic dental treatments that can help, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more. Soon, you’ll be sporting a smile you love! To set up an appointment with Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry or for more information on the causes of yellow teeth, visit their website or call their office at (904) 272-0800.