A bright smile is associated with youth, confidence, and success. Unfortunately, not everyone has white teeth. They come in a variety of shades and tones naturally, and they change color over time. While there are many OTC whitening products on the market, they cannot treat stains because they don’t contain any professional-grade whitening agents. Not to mention, not all stains respond to teeth whitening. Here’s what causes yellow teeth and how you can get the vibrant smile you want.
Causes of Yellow Teeth
Not all types of discoloration are the same, which is why some don’t respond to whitening treatments, even when seen by a dentist. Determining the cause of discoloration is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. Although every case differs, the most common causes of stains include:
- Genetics: Teeth color can run in families.
- Age: Natural wear and tear from aging can weaken the enamel, causing more yellowish dentin to be visible.
- Diet: Consuming a lot of dark foods and drinks can stain your enamel.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and tobacco can lead to tar and nicotine stains.
- Medications: Certain medications are known to give teeth a gray or blue tint.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Years of poor oral hygiene habits can cause stains and buildup that make your teeth look dirty and discolored.
Solutions for Whiter Teeth
Only a cosmetic dentist can determine the source of discoloration to create a personalized strategy to turn back the clock. Here are common ways to restore your pearly whites:
- Better Oral Hygiene: Improving your oral hygiene is your first step toward a brighter smile. Commit to brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing every night before going to bed.
- Visit Your Dentist: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll remove any plaque or tartar buildup you’ve missed at home to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and looking their best.
- Watch What You Eat: Limit how often you have dark-colored foods and drinks. Rinse your mouth with water or chew a piece of sugarless gum after you’ve finished to remove stain-causing residue.
- Stop Smoking: Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- In-House Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening can be used for age-related and surface stains. In a single appointment, your teeth can become up to 8 shades whiter. Results can last for many months or years with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing.
- Veneers: Bonding veneers over the front surfaces of your teeth can cover discoloration and address many other imperfections, like chips, cracks, and gaps. You can enjoy long-lasting results because veneers have an average lifespan of 10 years or longer.
Your cosmetic dentist can reveal a youthful, vibrant smile using the latest advancements in dentistry. You will look and feel your best with a smile that shines as bright as the sun.
About Dr. Dean Levy
Dr. Levy achieved his dental degree at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in several specialties, like Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through our website or call (617) 712-2354.