Discoloration of the teeth happens naturally as one gets older. However, it is still one of the most common reasons why people are self-conscious of their smiles. No one wants to show off pearly whites that are no longer white. There are a variety of different reasons why teeth become yellowed through the years, and there are some treatment options available to help. Continue reading to learn about the causes of tooth stains and what you can do about them.
What Is the Cause of Yellow Teeth?
Tooth discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common culprits:
- Diet: Foods and beverages that are high in tannins, like red wine, coffee, and berries, are likely to cause discoloration. These substances get into the enamel of the teeth, causing staining.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly, you are more likely to develop yellow teeth. Be sure that you are brushing twice and flossing every day. Mouthwash is also a good step to implement for extra freshness. Continue to see your dentist for regular cleanings.
- Smoking: Smoking is one of the most common causes of yellow teeth, and these stains can be very challenging to remove. By giving up smoking and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine, you can prevent this.
- Illness: Some medical conditions and medications can result in tooth discoloration. This is something that you may want to discuss with your doctor and dentist.
How Can Yellow Teeth Be Treated?
Luckily, a lot of staining isn’t permanent and can be lifted. Your dentist can create customized trays that fit perfectly over your teeth using impressions. A small amount of whitening gel is placed in the trays and they are worn for a short amount of time per day. Patients can often see a difference in just a few days, but the entire transformation takes place over about two weeks. After this treatment is complete, touch-up treatments can be used to maintain the beautiful results. When under the care of a skilled dentist, professional teeth whitening kits are perfectly safe and can enhance the appearance of your smile!
Yellow teeth aren’t uncommon, and there is something you can do about them. If you have concerns regarding the shade of your teeth, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your dentist. By maintaining healthy habits and opting for teeth whitening, you can show off a brighter smile!
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, Dr. Eric L. Townsend and Dr. Kristopher R. Harth work together to serve patients in the Ponte Vedra Beach community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about teeth whitening, or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (904) 285-7711.