If you’re like most people, chances are you don’t like having yellow teeth. Not only do they hurt your good looks, but they also lower your confidence and self-esteem. Before you try fixing the problem, though, you’d do well to learn what’s causing it. Doing so will ensure your tooth stains get the proper treatment! Fortunately enough, your local dentist is here to help. Read on to learn some common causes of yellow teeth and how best to treat them.
Common Causes of Yellow Teeth
Contrary to what you might think, teeth can turn yellow for various reasons. Still, the most frequent causes tend to be the following:
- Your Diet: Some foods and drinks are high in tannins, which often stain teeth. These products include berries, apples, coffee, tea, and wine.
- Wear & Tear: Teeth often turn yellow with age, since your enamel wears away from chewing, tooth grinding, and acid exposure. As this process occurs, your yellowy dentin becomes more visible.
- Genetics: Surprisingly enough, tooth color can run in the family. In other words, you can inherit genes that predispose you to yellow teeth. If your parents’ smiles are yellow, then, there’s a good chance your own will be too.
- Smoking: Besides causing cancer, smoking tobacco products can also stain your teeth. They have nicotine that’s easily absorbed into tooth pores, turning the surrounding areas yellow and brown.
Treatments for Yellow Teeth
Thankfully, treating yellow teeth to look nice and white again is possible. In particular, the best options are the two listed below:
Stain Removal
If your tooth stains aren’t that bad, you can probably remove them with teeth whitening. As performed by a dentist, this treatment would bleach your enamel white using a special gel. Most dental practices offer it either in-office or through a take-home kit.
Whichever option you choose, the result will be a smile that’s six to eight shades whiter! You could then maintain that whiteness through good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Stain Hiding
Should your tooth stains be more stubborn, you could get a treatment that hides them from view. One example is dental bonding, which hides smile flaws by applying tooth-colored resin to affected teeth. Another is porcelain veneers, a service that covers up stains, chips, and other marks beneath thin porcelain layers placed on enamel surfaces.
Once you know the cause of your yellow teeth, you’ll be in a better position to fix them. Therefore, talk with your dentist in San Marcos about possible treatment options in the coming days.
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dentistry is based in Plainview, NY. As led by Drs. Silfa, Casañas Jr., and Tamburro, our practice strives for comfortable and comprehensive care. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. Whether you need a tooth cleaning, tooth whitening, or a tooth replacement, we’ll be here for you! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (516)-346-5655.