Are Yellow Teeth Healthy?
If you have yellow teeth contact us to discuss a teeth whitening appointment with your local Yorkshire Dental Suite clinic.
The colour of your teeth does not determine how healthy your smile is. It is perfectly possible to have yellow teeth that are strong and in good condition, or white teeth that are weak and damaged. While many associate yellow teeth with poor oral hygiene, this isn’t always the case; yellowness is caused by many factors, some of which are completely out of our control.
Ten causes of yellow teeth
Why do teeth go yellow? Is yellow teeth normal? These are two common questions that the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite receive from our patients. Rest assured, this type of discolouration is very common.
- Poor oral hygiene: When you don’t brush your teeth or floss, plaque and tartar begin to form. These substances coat the teeth in a yellow or brown tint.
- Genetics: The natural colour, translucency and strength of teeth varies from person to person.
- Age: With age comes a variety of dental problems. One of these issues is tooth discolouration.
- Diet: Many foods and drinks are known to have a yellowing effect on teeth. The main culprits generally tend to be rich in sugar or have a high acidity.
- Smoking and vaping: The nicotine and tar founding in cigarettes and vapes are a significant cause of yellow teeth.
- Illness: If you are taking a lot of sugary medicines while you are feeling unwell, or not drinking enough water, the whiteness of your teeth may be affected.
- Medication: Yellow teeth is a side effect of many medications. These include antihistamines and certain types of antibiotics.
- Dental trauma: Injury affects the tooth’s ability to receive blood, causing it to gradually darken in colour.
- Dental fluorosis: A relatively common dental condition, fluorosis appears as white, brown or yellow spots, flecks and lines on the teeth.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): The excessive clenching and grinding of teeth weakens the enamel significantly. This then leads to cracking and yellowing.
Why do teeth turn yellow with age?
One of the biggest contributors of yellow teeth is age. As we grow older, our smile goes through many changes, thanks to factors such as hormones and general wear and tear. Alongside this, the enamel begins to thin. When the enamel starts to wear away, it reveals the layer of dentin beneath, which is naturally yellow. This may make your teeth appear yellow as a result. Decay and sensitivity are two other unpleasant side effects of thinning enamel.
How to get rid of yellow teeth
Have you ever found yourself wondering, can yellow teeth turn white again? The answer is yes! There are many dental treatments and products available that will restore confidence in your smile.
At-home teeth whitening
Yorkshire Dental Suite’s teeth whitening kit uses 16% carbamide peroxide (a concentration 32 x more potent than non-prescription kits found over-the-counter) to refresh the colour of your teeth in as little as 72 hours. Other at-home methods include teeth whitening strips, pens, powders and toothpastes.
In-clinic teeth whitening with a dental professional
Using special light or lasers, in-clinic treatments give you an instantly whiter smile. The treatment can be done in just one appointment, or may require multiple visits to give you the finish you want. If you choose in-clinic whitening, be sure to visit a dentist that is qualified to carry out the procedure.
Nanofill Composite Bonding®
Looking for a more permanent solution to your yellow teeth? Exclusive to Yorkshire Dental Suite, Nanofill™ disguises the appearance of discolouration, chips, cracks, gaps and mild crookedness with a bright-white resin. Once cured, you are able to enjoy your beautiful new smile for up to eight years.
Porcelain veneers
This is a great option if you have chips and cracks, as well as yellow teeth. In honour of full transparency, we would not recommend porcelain veneers for teeth whitening alone. You should only opt for this treatment if you have other dental issues that need addressing.
Dental crowns
Similar to porcelain veneers, dental crowns tackle multiple oral problems, including yellow teeth. The restorative treatment is used when the top of a tooth is damaged beyond repair, but the root itself is still healthy. A full mouth of dental crowns is infamously known as ‘Turkey Teeth’.
How can I prevent staining my teeth yellow?
There are many changes you can make to your daily routine to help minimise the risk of yellow tooth discolouration.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene
- Avoid staining food and drinks if possible, like tomato-based sauces
- Stop smoking and vaping
- Attend two routine check-ups per year with your dentist
- Attend two hygienist appointments per year with your hygienist
- Wear a mouth guard if you have bruxism or play sports
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking
FAQs
Got questions about yellow teeth and discolouration? We’re here to answer them. If your query hasn’t been addressed below, do not hesitate to contact us. We will help in every way possible.
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?
This may be a sign that the staining on your teeth is intrinsic, versus extrinsic. This simply means that the discolouration originates from the inside of the tooth. Recommended treatments include internal tooth bleaching, enamel microabrasion and porcelain veneers.
Do dentists judge you for having yellow teeth?
Not at all. We understand that many patients feel too nervous to go to the dentist in fear of embarrassment, and this really saddens us. Yorkshire Dental Suite are here to help you have confidence in your smile, and would never judge the condition of your teeth.
Are yellow teeth stronger than white teeth?
No! This is a common misconception. Strength is not determined by colour; instead, it is determined by factors such as the tooth’s mineral content. Therefore, white teeth are just as strong as yellow teeth. Conclusion: So, are yellow teeth healthy? The answer to this will vary depending on how well you take care of your smile but, for many, yes – yellow teeth can in fact be healthy. If you are looking for teeth whitening treatments to address your discolouration, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. Whether it’s with our industry-leading teeth whitening kit or Nanofill Composite Bonding®, we will give your smile a dazzling makeover.