Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Have you recently looked in the mirror and wondered why your teeth aren’t as white as they once were? Here, we’ll explain some of the most common reasons why your teeth might be turning an unsightly shade of yellow.

  1. Smoking
  2. You know how bad smoking is for your body, but it’s also terrible for your smile. Nicotine can leave brown or yellow stains on the surface of your teeth. The only wait to prevent these stains is to avoid or stop smoking completely!

    Closeup of a man smoking a cigarette that will discolor his teeth and cause oral cancer and bad breath

  3. Dentin Exposure
  4. Dentin lies beneath your teeth and is naturally deep yellow in color. As your enamel thins, the dentin starts to show through, causing your teeth to look more yellow. You can promote strong and healthy enamel by maintaining superb oral hygiene practices (brush and floss daily and visit us every six months for a professional cleaning), drinking fluoridated water, and eating a diet high in calcium, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin C, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus.

  5. Certain Beverages
  6. Most people know that coffee and tea can stain your teeth, but there are a lot of other drinks that can also cause tooth discoloration. Acidic drinks, like soda and alcohol, dissolve your teeth’s enamel and expose your dentin, while sports drinks and wine (red and white) can stain your teeth. Many cocktails, like a Bloody Mary, have pigments that cling to and discolor your enamel. Minimize potential discoloration by drinking water with these beverages or by chewing sugarless gum afterward to wash away any particles that have staining potential.

    Drawing of a Bloody Mary cocktail with celery, vodka, ice cubes, and tomato juice that will discolor your teeth

  7. Bruxism & Teeth Clenching
  8. In addition to the natural wear and tear of daily chewing, you will wear away your tooth enamel if you grind and clench your teeth. Depending on how aggressive or intense your grinding is, you can weaken your enamel to the point of cracking and thinning, which exposes the underlying yellow dentin. If you think your grinding is causing problems with your teeth, ask our Jonesboro dental team about wearing a nightguard while you sleep.

  9. Genetics
  10. Teeth color is not always about your habits and lifestyle; it can also be about your genetics. If both of your parents have teeth that are naturally yellow, chances are that you do too. People are born with teeth in many shades other than white, including yellow, reddish brown, reddish gray, and gray.

We Can Brighten Your Smile!

If you’re concerned about your yellow teeth, we offer dental veneers and professional teeth whitening that will give you the smile of your wildest dreams. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can find the best cosmetic treatment option for you!
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