Our society sees bright white, shiny teeth as a sign of youthfulness and health. Unfortunately, many people have teeth that are yellowed or discolored. What causes teeth to become discolored in the first place and what can you do to prevent teeth from becoming discolored?
Teeth have a thin outer covering made of enamel, which is actually the hardest tissue in the human body.1 This enamel is translucent, meaning that you can see light through it. Beneath the enamel is dentin. Dentin is responsible for tooth color. If the dentin of a tooth is off-white, yellow or grey, the tooth will appear off-white, yellow or grey.
If the tooth enamel ‒ the outer layer ‒ is discolored, the stain on the enamel can usually be removed.
Smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking coffee and tea are high on the list of items that can cause tooth enamel to discolor. Generally, any food or drink that can stain clothing can also stain teeth.2 Dark-colored foods and beverages, including red wine, colas, chocolate and dark sauces ‒ such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, spaghetti sauce and curries ‒ can discolor teeth. Even some dark-colored fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, blueberries, cherries, beets and pomegranates, can stain teeth. Acidic foods and beverages, like fruit juices, also erode tooth enamel.
To help minimize the staining caused by tea or coffee experts recommend adding a little milk. In a study published by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene it was reported that adding milk to tea reduces its chances of staining teeth.3 If you drink fruit juices, sports drinks, soda and other carbonated beverages, use a straw to minimize staining of the enamel.4 Chewing sugarless gum can also help neutralize acids in the mouth. Eating high-fiber foods can lower acid levels as well; foods such as beans or spinach and other leafy greens help generate more saliva in the mouth and can scrub the teeth clean.5
The build-up of plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth, and tarter, which is hardened plaque, can make teeth appear yellow. The good news is that with proper oral hygiene, plaque, tarter and stains on the enamel can be removed. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each session and flossing each day. Having teeth professionally cleaned and polished at least twice annually can also reduce staining of the enamel and eliminate the build-up of plaque and tarter.
Your teeth can also appear yellower if your tooth enamel is thin due to hereditary factors, teeth grinding and age. Thin enamel allows the true color of your naturally yellowish dentin to show through. Dentists can provide mouth guards that prevent damage due to tooth grinding. The best protection against thinning enamel is proper saliva production. A physician or dentist can provide advice on ways to eliminate dry mouth. Getting enough fluoride through toothpaste, drinking water or a fluoride rinse is also important in preventing tooth enamel from thinning.
Stains under the enamel, on the dentin, are more difficult to eliminate. These stains can be caused by medications such as antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs and antihypertensive medications.6 Chemotherapy treatments can also cause staining of the dentin as can the acne-fighting drug minocycline. Young children given tetracycline and doxycycline often experience tooth staining. Certain illnesses and injury to the teeth can also cause dentin stains.
Fortunately today there a number of ways even those of advanced years can maintain a youthful set of teeth. These include everything from whitening toothpastes to dentist administered whitening treatments. If you are embarrassed or concerned about the color of your teeth, the best first step is to talk with your dentist.
If your teeth are discolored and want to learn more about what you can do about it Sedki Dentistry can help. Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Our goal is to work with our patients in achieving and maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile. We accommodate each individual’s special needs and budget. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!
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1 Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration, Webmd.com
Link: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration#1
2,3 Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?, Alina Bradford, livescience.com, July 19, 2018
Link: https://www.livescience.com/54420-yellow-teeth.html
4,5 Ask the Expert: What Causes Discolored Teeth and Is There Any Way to Cure or Prevent Stainning? by Ronald Perry, Tufts School of Dental Medicine
Link: https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-or-prevent-staining
6 Tooth Discoloration, Cleveland Clinic
Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration