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Why Are My Teeth Yellow?

why-are-my-teeth-yellow

Yellow teeth can be a result of many factors. Whether that’s poor oral hygiene or something completely out of our control, such as age, this type of discolouration is a common point of self-consciousness for many of our patients. There are many dental treatments that help to address yellow teeth and give you the gleaming white smile you have always wanted. Read on to learn about what makes teeth yellow, how to prevent discolouration and the different teeth whitening procedures available. Skip to:

What causes yellow teeth?

When thinking about this type of discolouration, many will automatically assume that poor oral hygiene is the culprit. While this is the case for some patients, other patients have great cleaning practices and still have a yellow smile. In fact, we commonly get asked: why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day? Let’s go through some of the things that may be contributing to your yellow teeth.

CauseHow?

Diet

Certain foods and drinks cause discolouration thanks to their acidity, rich pigmentation or sugar content.

Oral hygiene

Yellow plaque on teeth happens when you don’t brush or floss. Stains cling to plaque.

Age

As we age, our tooth’s enamel gradually starts to thin, leading to a change in colour.

Smoking and vaping

The nicotine and tar found in tobacco is recognised to have a yellowing effect on the teeth.

Genetics

The whiteness and transparency of teeth varies from person to person, as well as the thickness of the enamel.

Injury

When a tooth is affected by injury, it may not be able to receive blood as effectively, causing gradual darkening.

Disease

Several diseases and/or their treatments have yellow teeth as a side effect, such as chemotherapy.

Medications

In some cases, certain medications also have yellow teeth as a side effect, for example, antihistamines.

 

Foods and drinks that can cause your teeth to yellow

One of the most significant yellow teeth causes is your diet. If you consume a lot of acidic or sugary foods and drinks, the enamel begins to wear away. This may then result in tooth decay, tooth sensitivity and discolouration. Highly-pigmented foods will also lead to yellow stains. We have compiled a list of the most common foods and drinks that stain and discolour your smile:

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Red wine
  • Tomato and soy-based sauces
  • Curries
  • Berries
  • Energy drinks
  • Fizzy drinks

Did you know? There are certain foods that actually help to clean your teeth while you eat and protect against staining. This includes celery, carrots, apples, strawberries and cheese. We also recommend drinking with a straw when possible, as this will minimise the contact between the staining substance and your teeth.

Are yellow teeth a sign of an underlying oral health issue?

In some cases, yellow teeth indicates that there is a problem present. Issues may range from gum disease and infection to enamel erosion and decay. This is why regular visits to your dentist are so important – these issues can be quickly identified and treated. In other cases, it’s very possible for yellow teeth to be perfectly clean and healthy!

Can yellow teeth be white again?

Yes, yellow teeth can absolutely become white again. There are lots of treatments available that help you to achieve a beautifully bright smile.

At-home teeth whitening kit

Yorkshire Dental Suite’s dentist-led teeth whitening kit helps patients to get their dream smile from the comfort of their home. The set uses a gel containing 16% carbamide peroxide (a concentration 32 x more powerful than non-prescription kits found over the counter) to ensure pearly white results.

  • Price: £395
  • Longevity: 1 year

In-clinic teeth whitening

Looking to significantly whiten your teeth in a short period of time? Consider booking an appointment with a trained professional in a dental office. The process pairs high-grade bleaching gels with special lights and lasers to deliver an instant whitening effect. To ensure your safety, only choose qualified administrators to carry out the treatment.

  • Price: £300 - £1000
  • Longevity: Up to 3 years

Teeth whitening strips & teeth whitening pens

These products have gained popularity thanks to their supposed quick results and affordability. Another big bonus of whitening strips and pens is their portability, allowing you to brighten your teeth wherever you wish. These treatments are more effective on individuals with little staining and yellowness, and will probably not give you the results you want if you have more severe discolouration.

  • Price: Starts from £7
  • Longevity: Up to 6 months

Nanofill Composite Bonding®

Our patented treatment transforms your teeth in multiple ways. Using a durable, hard-wearing resin, Nanofill instantly disguises the appearance of discolouration, as well as chips, cracks and gaps. The procedure is completed in four hours or less, meaning that you can leave the clinic with your brand-new smile after just one visit!

  • Price: £495 per tooth
  • Longevity: Up to 8 years

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers deliver a dazzling celebrity smile. The process reimagines the colour and size of a tooth, as well as its shape. It is worth noting though that veneers are an irreversible procedure. If you have dental wear and tear alongside yellowness, veneers are the perfect option. Comparatively, if it’s just discolouration you wish to disguise, we would recommend opting for something less invasive, like teeth whitening or Nanofill Composite Bonding® instead.

  • Price: £895 per tooth
  • Longevity: 15+ years

Natural teeth whitening remedies

My teeth are yellow – can they be whitened with at-home remedies? There are many claims that ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda or turmeric have the ability to naturally brighten your teeth. However, it will not give you the same whitening effect as a dentist-led kit or in-clinic procedures.

How to prevent yellow teeth

There are ways you are able to minimise the risk of teeth yellowing. These tips will also come in handy if you have undergone dental treatment and want to keep your new smile looking as white as possible for as long as possible:

  • A good oral hygiene routine is essential: This includes brushing twice a day with a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember to floss daily too.
  • Do not skip visits to your dentist: Patients should have a routine check-up with their dentist 1-2 times per year. We also recommend visiting a dental hygienist every six months for a deep clean.
  • Consider your diet: If you drink a lot of tea and coffee, or eat a lot of acidic fruits, consider limiting your consumption of such items. Only do this if it is safe to do so and seek the advice of a doctor or dietician if necessary.
  • Quit smoking and vaping: Patients with these habits are much more likely to have yellow and stained teeth compared to someone who does not smoke.

Conclusion: We recognise that yellow and discoloured teeth may cause embarrassment for many. If you are looking to refresh your smile, why not try one of our confidence-boosting cosmetic procedures, such as Nanofill Composite Bonding® or our teeth whitening kit? Book your consultation today and one of our experts will help you decide which treatment is the most suitable for you.