How Did My Teeth Get So Yellow?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, When did my teeth start looking so yellow?  You aren’t alone! Tooth discoloration happens gradually, and many everyday habits can dull your smile. 

The good news is, once you understand what causes it, you can take simple steps to reclaim your sparkle.

Read on as the CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki team explains six reasons your teeth may have yellowed and the cosmetic treatments available here in Lakeland, Ohio, to help restore your sparkle.

1. Your morning coffee (and afternoon tea)

Coffee, tea, and even red wine are the biggest beverage offenders. These drinks contain tannins, which cling to your tooth enamel and cause staining. The more frequently you sip, the more opportunity those pigments have to settle in.

Pro tip: Rinse your mouth with water after your morning cup or drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

2. Smoking and tobacco use

Nicotine and tar found in tobacco products leave behind stubborn yellow or brown stains that are difficult to remove with brushing alone. Smoking can also damage your gums and increase your risk for oral health problems.

If you’ve recently quit, congratulations! Dr. Niki can help you restore your smile’s brightness with professional whitening treatments.

3. Food with strong pigment

Certain foods, like tomato sauce, curry, berries, and soy sauce, can also stain your teeth over time. It isn’t that you have to avoid them completely. In fact, you shouldn’t avoid them. These foods contain many healthy phytonutrients. Some of these phytonutrients can support your memory, combat inflammation, and even reduce your risk of some cancers.

So instead of skipping these healthy (but stain-inducing) foods, just be mindful and rinse or brush afterward to prevent stains from setting in.

4. Your enamel is thinning

As you age, your tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner and can reveal more of the dentin underneath. Dentin is a layer in your tooth, and its main job is to protect your tooth pulp. This layer also happens to be yellow naturally.

This means even if you have great oral hygiene, your teeth might look darker or duller as the years go by.

5. You haven’t been brushing twice a day

Skipping regular brushing or flossing allows plaque and tartar to build up, which can make your teeth appear yellow or discolored. 

6. You’re taking certain kinds of medication

Some antibiotics (like tetracycline), antihistamines, and even certain mouth rinses can cause discoloration as a side effect. Dr. Niki can review your medical history to identify whether a prescription might be contributing to yellowing and help you explore safe whitening options.

Explore your whitening options at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki

No matter what’s causing your tooth discoloration, there are effective ways to restore your shine.

Teeth whitening

At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we offer professional whitening treatments that are safe, gentle, and customized to your goals. Dr. Niki’s in-office whitening treatments take just an hour and can brighten your smile by up to eight shades. 

Veneers

Not all types of stains respond to teeth whitening treatments. If your teeth are permanently stained, Dr. Niki may recommend veneers instead. 

Veneers can completely transform the size, shape, and color of your teeth, so these are a good option when you want a complete smile makeover.

Ready for a brighter smile? 

Whether you’re interested in professional in-office whitening treatments or porcelain veneers, the process starts with a consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Niki examines your teeth, reviews your aesthetic goals, and shares all your cosmetic options with you. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Niki at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki today to learn how professional whitening can transform your smile. You can also reach us at 216-616-1385.