Help! My Teeth Are Yellow

Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with naturally sparkling white teeth. And for some who are, their teeth gradually become yellower over time. It can be frustrating and a little embarrassing. 

It’s a common problem that modern dentistry has many fixes for. No matter how yellow your teeth might be, anyone can get a smile as bright as they want. 

Some people only experience mild yellowing, which is often a natural part of aging. Others may notice a more severe shift in color due to diet, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. 

If you’re self-conscious about your yellow teeth, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, a skilled and compassionate  dentist in Butte, Montana, uses the latest dental technology to get rid of tooth discoloration.

In this blog, he covers when yellowing is worth worrying about and the different whitening options available to anyone looking to brighten their smile.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

There are many reasons your teeth can start to turn yellow. Some causes are preventable, while others aren’t. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Your diet 

Dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and certain carbonated soft drinks contain pigments that easily stain your teeth and can lead to discoloration over time. Even foods such as berries, tomato sauce, or soy sauce can stain your teeth if you consume them often enough. 

Smoking regularly

One of the quickest ways to turn your teeth yellow is by smoking or using tobacco. The nicotine and tar in tobacco products don’t just stain the surface of your teeth; they go deeper into the enamel, making it difficult to remove the stains without professional help. 

Poor oral hygiene

Brushing and flossing daily helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, plaque can build up and harden into tartar, which clings to your teeth and causes discoloration. 

Aging

As you age, it’s natural for your teeth to become more yellow. The enamel that makes your teeth appear white gradually wears down over time. As it thins, the yellow dentin beneath it becomes more visible. 

Even if you have excellent oral hygiene, aging can unavoidably make your teeth more yellow.

Genetics

Some people are born with thinner or more translucent enamel, allowing more yellowish dentin to show through. While this is harmless, it can make your teeth appear more yellow even if you brush and floss religiously.

When should you worry about yellow teeth?

In most cases, yellow teeth are merely aesthetically annoying. But in some cases, they could be a sign of a more concerning dental health problem.

If you are also experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilcox as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems that need to be treated.

How to brighten yellow teeth

When it comes to teeth whitening options, there’s something for everyone. From simple at-home remedies to professional treatments, here are the best options.

Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective and quickest ways to brighten your smile. Dr. Wilcox offers advanced in-office treatments that can whiten your teeth by several shades in just one appointment. This option is ideal for anyone who wants fast, noticeable results.

Take-home whitening kits

If you want to brighten your teeth at your own pace, a take-home whitening kit from Dr. Wilcox is a good alternative. 

These kits typically include custom-fitted trays and a whitening gel you apply at home. Professional-grade gel is more potent than over-the-counter products. In just a few weeks, you’ll see noticeable results. 

Over-the-counter whitening products

There are plenty of whitening products available at your local drugstore. From whitening toothpaste and strips to gels and mouthwashes, these products can reduce mild yellowing over time. But they often take longer to show results and are less effective than professional treatments.

Veneers and bonding

If your yellow teeth don’t respond well to whitening treatments or if your discoloration is severe, veneers or bonding may be the answer. 

Veneers go over the front surface of your teeth, hiding any stains or imperfections. Bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface of your teeth to cover stains.  

If you have yellow teeth, there are plenty of ways to get the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Wilcox can guide you through the best options for your specific needs at his practice in Butte, Montana. Book an appointment with him today to get started.