A bright, radiant smile full of white teeth is something that virtually everyone wants. Unfortunately, this aesthetic ideal eludes many. Indeed, when they smile at themselves in the mirror or see themselves in a photograph, they might notice a distinct yellow tint to their smile. What causes teeth to look yellow, and how can you brighten your smile? Let’s discuss these important questions.
Genetics
It might surprise you to learn that teeth are not naturally bright white. In fact, it is normal for them to be slightly yellow or gray. For some people, this coloration is quite subtle, giving the impression that the teeth are white. For others, the natural hue of their teeth is noticeably darker. If other members of your family have teeth that are colored similarly to yours, it is likely that your DNA is at least partially responsible for the way your teeth look.
Dentin
Teeth have multiple layers. The outermost layer, the enamel, is somewhat translucent. The thinner it becomes, the easier it is for onlookers to notice the color of the second layer of the teeth, called the dentin. Dentin is usually yellow in color. Thin enamel can have a range of causes, including genetics, overconsumption of acidic foods and beverages, teeth grinding, and more.
Stains
Enamel is somewhat porous, which means that pigments from the foods and beverages that you consume can seep into it, causing it to change color. Berries, tomato products, coffee, and red wine are just a few items that can contribute to stains. Also, the use of cigarettes or chewing tobacco can do much to cause enamel discoloration.
What You Can Do
If your teeth are slightly yellower than you would prefer, talk to your cosmetic dentist about your concerns. Some possible ways to brighten up your smile include:
- Teeth whitening treatment. In-office and take-home professional whitening products use a powerful bleaching formula that penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks up pigment molecules. Of course, teeth can incur new stains over time, so you should take care to maintain your results.
- Bonding or veneers. These treatments cover discolored teeth. They can hide other imperfections as well, such as chips, cracks, and more. Veneers tend to be more durable than bonding; they can last for 15 year or longer.
- Adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. Drinking more water, switching to a different type of toothpaste, and making other small alterations to your normal oral hygiene routine could do much to prevent the formation of new stains.
- Abstain from tobacco. This can be challenging for some people, especially those who have used tobacco products for many years. Fortunately, there are resources available that can help you kick the habit.
Yellow teeth are nothing to be ashamed of, but if you dislike the way they look, there are steps you can take to brighten up your smile. Your cosmetic dentist is ready to help!
Meet the Dentists
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are the general and cosmetic dentists at Brookside Dental Care. They provide empathetic and gentle treatment in a welcoming environment. They offer numerous ways to address yellow teeth, including whitening services, veneers, and more. To learn how they and our team may be able to help you reach your aesthetic goals for your smile, contact us at 606-874-9311.