Yellow Teeth

What causes yellow teeth?

As well as being a natural part of ageing, several other factors can cause yellow teeth including:

• Smoking and drinking – nicotine can cause teeth to turn yellow, while drinks such as red wine can also stain teeth
• Poor oral hygiene – flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential for removing plaque and stain-producing substances
• Genetics – if you have yellow teeth as a child, it may be caused by genetic or hereditary factors
• Certain medications – such as some antibiotics taken during childhood can cause yellow teeth
• Illnesses that affect the enamel on your teeth – some diseases can affect enamel and dentin, as well as treatments such as chemotherapy
• Wear and tear of the enamel
• Old fillings
• Tooth grinding and clenching habits
• Braces – if you wear braces, you need to take even better care of your teeth to avoid yellowing
• Diet – consuming too many fizzy drinks or too much sugar can remove the outer coating of your teeth. Tea and coffee can also cause staining
• Trauma – accidents can affect enamel formation in young children, damaging the internal structure
• Enamel hypoplasia – this is a genetic condition that can affect the formation of your teeth.

How to improve yellow teeth

There are several treatment options for yellow teeth, so deciding how to get rid of yours will largely depend on the specific cause, your age, and the condition of your teeth.

Scale and polish teeth

Professional dental cleaning is one of the simplest and quickest ways to treat yellowing or stained teeth. Book an appointment with a dental hygienist to remove any staining and tartar build up.

Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening is an incredibly popular way of restoring your smile and there are lot’s of different types of teeth whitening available including whitening gel treatments and laser whitening that your dentist can provide for safe and effective whitening. This is ideal for younger patients and in patients who have healthy and otherwise sound teeth.

Composite bonding or porcelain veneers

For more severe discolouration and where teeth are worn, chipped and more heavily filled, composite bonding or porcelain veneers may be your best option. This tends to be more suitable in older patients where wear and tear has had detrimental effect on the teeth over the years.

How to prevent yellow teeth

There are many ways that you can prevent yellow teeth including:

• Good oral hygiene, toothbrushing and flossing
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid frequent fizzy drinks
• Make sure you clean your teeth well after consuming food and drinks that can stain such as curries, red wine etc
• Reduce the frequency of having staining foods and drinks

At Windsor Dentistry we offer a range of treatment options for yellowing teeth and our team will work alongside you to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs. Take a look through our case studies or call us to find out how to get rid of your yellow teeth – for a bright and vibrant new smile.