Teeth come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Not everyone can sport a white smile, as many people’s teeth naturally lean towards hues of yellow. However, many other factors can contribute to a dull smile. So, are your teeth naturally yellow, or is it something else? Let’s discuss.
It’s In Your Genes
Do you know that tooth color varies in people, like skin tone, hair shade, or eye color? You can indeed inherit yellow teeth from your parents. If one or both of your parents have yellowish teeth, you might have a similar smile, too.
Our teeth can be different from other people’s because genetics decides the thickness and quality of our enamel. However, don’t worry; multiple brightening techniques in the dental world are available to help you get a brighter smile.
Aging and Tooth Color
Teeth naturally begin to change shades with age. The enamel that coats teeth gets thinner over time as we use them daily. The yellower dentin starts showing through as the enamel wears away. So, when older people smile, their teeth are usually noticeably dimmer. This is normal and part of the process of aging.
Habits That Cause Yellow Teeth
Some things we do daily might be contributing to the yellow-tinted teeth. The most common causes of dental discoloration are:
- Smoking:
Every time tobacco is inhaled, smoke coats our teeth. The nicotine in cigarettes can stain our teeth with brown and yellow stains. - Poor Oral Hygiene:
Neglecting brushing, flossing, and going to bed without them is the surest way to get yellow teeth. This is because you allow tartar to build up, making teeth look discolored. - Pigmented Drinks:
You know how hard it is to get coffee or wine stains out of most surfaces. So, imagine coating your teeth with this substance every day. Over time, this pigment will attach to enamel and stain your teeth.
Medical Reasons Why Teeth Are Yellow
Sometimes, you might be doing everything right but still have yellow teeth. Consider your medication and any conditions you might have.
- Antibiotics:
Some antibiotics, like tetracycline and doxycycline, cause teeth to discolor. This is usually the case when taken during stages of teeth development. Pregnant women who take these antibiotics might have children with permanently discolored teeth, too. - Medical Conditions:
Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy might discolor your teeth. However, other illnesses can also affect enamel development. - Fluorosis:
Although fluoride is good for dental health, too much can lead to fluorosis. This condition is when exposure to excessive fluoride causes yellow or brown spots on teeth. Watch out for fluoridated water or ingesting too much toothpaste.
Can Genetically Yellow Teeth Get Whitened?
Yes, genetically yellow teeth can be whitened with dental intervention. So, if you already have yellow teeth and are looking for a solution, there are some options you can get through a professional.
- Teeth Bleaching
- Veneers
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Whitening
To Summarize
Even though there’s nothing unhealthy about naturally yellow teeth, it can be distressing if you want a whiter smile. At-home teeth whitening kits might give you short-lived results. A visit to a professional can lead to a more permanent solution. Our dentist at Nimmi Shine Dental in San Diego can whiten the most stubborn teeth. Call (858) 999-8550 to learn more.
