There are dozens and dozens of oral health problems that can potentially afflict a patient, and dentists are vigilant for all of them. However, there’s one that patients tend to focus on above all else: yellow teeth.
There are several ways that the teeth can become yellow, and nearly as many methods to whiten them. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about the causes and solutions to white teeth.
What Can Cause My Teeth to Become Yellow?
There are two main kinds of stains, both of which have different causes and are treated in distinct ways. There are extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration—here’s what you should know about each of them:
Extrinsic Discoloration
This refers to stains that sit on the exterior of the tooth and settle into the enamel. This is the most common kind of discoloration people think about when it comes to yellowing teeth, and also tends to be the one that people can do the most about.
Extrinsic discoloration often comes from food and drinks that leave pigments behind on the teeth. Red wine, coffee, tea, and dark fruits can all contribute to this kind of discoloration, particularly if used in excess. Tobacco use can also be a major contributor to the development of extrinsic discoloration.
Intrinsic Discoloration
On the other hand, intrinsic discoloration happens due to changes within the tooth itself, as opposed to stains coming from the outside. This commonly occurs due to age; people’s enamel thins as they get older, which exposes the darker layers of the tooth underneath. The color of your enamel may also change as a consequence of certain medications.
How to Deal with Yellow Teeth
What you should do to deal with your discolored teeth as to do with whether the issue is extrinsic or intrinsic. Professional teeth whitening is incredibly effective at lifting stains from the surface of the tooth, capable of brightening your smile by up to eight shades. However, this treatment is a little bit less effective at dealing with intrinsic stains.
For them, you might be better off simply covering the teeth as opposed to trying to treat them. Veneers can give you the perfectly white smile you’ve always wanted, as well as addressing any number of aesthetic problems you could be dealing with.
If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, talk to a dentist. They’ll be able to help you understand the nature of your issue and the various treatments available to you.
About Our Practice
At Morgan-Hill Dental Care, we don’t believe in treating teeth for their own sake. We put people at the center of everything that we do and believe that our dental skills are meant to help people look and feel their best. Whether you’re coming to us for preventive care, restorations, or cosmetic dentistry, you can expect compassion and care from everyone at our practice.
If you have any questions about yellow teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (207) 839-2655.