“Why are my teeth yellow?” Believe it or not, most patients have this concern, even when they don’t have serious dental problems. However, as it represents an aesthetic flaw, it is normal to want definitive and healthy solutions.
As a starting point, it is important to know that there are different types of stains, which can appear for different reasons. Likewise, it is essential to know treatments and care to optimize the aesthetics of the smile.
How is the color of teeth determined?
The answer lies in the dentin, the second layer of tissue below the tooth enamel. The thickness of the dentin, along with the quality and thickness of the enamel, are the factors that determine the color of the teeth.
To clarify, dental enamel is actually translucent and not white as many believe, which allows the yellowish color of the dentin to be seen through it. Therefore:
- The quality of the dentin determines the yellowish color of the teeth
- The condition of the enamel affects the intensity of the color.
This is why some people have “whiter” teeth than others. Keep in mind that the color of our teeth is determined by several factors, including genetics. Therefore, some people may have a genetic predisposition to have teeth of a more yellowish tone than others. This is due to variations in the structure and thickness of dental enamel and dentin.
Dentin, which is located under the dental enamel, is naturally yellowish. If the enamel layer is thin, the dentin becomes more visible and can result in a more yellowish tone in the teeth. Some people may have a lower amount of dental enamel for genetic reasons, which can also contribute to a yellowish color in the teeth.
While genetics may play a role in the color of teeth, it is important to note that other factors can also influence it, such as diet, lifestyle, and dental hygiene.
Although it is not always possible to change genetics, measures can be taken to maintain dental health and reduce the appearance of yellow teeth, such as:
- Regular brushing
- Using dental floss
- Limiting the consumption of foods and beverages that stain teeth
- Visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Are yellow teeth healthy?
The natural color of dentin is not synonymous with a dental problem. However, it is important to pay attention to the overall appearance, as poor oral hygiene can produce deep yellow stains that have nothing to do with dental dentin.
Therefore, attention must be paid to:
- Food consumption, as some tend to stain teeth
- Tobacco, alcohol, and other recreational substances
- Medications.
As an additional fact, it is crucial to remember that:
- Healthy teeth are those with a translucent blue tone that allows the natural color of the dentin to be reflected through dental enamel.
Main causes of yellow stains on teeth
Beyond dentin, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the yellowish color of teeth, and a person can be affected by a combination of them.
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene, which includes incorrect brushing technique or bacterial plaque buildup, can generate yellowish stains on teeth.
- Diet: There is a wide variety of foods that contain strong dyes. Therefore, consuming them regularly can cause gradual wear and tear on the teeth. These instruments include coffee, wine, and red fruits.
- Smoking, medications, and other drugs: Tobacco is widely known to be detrimental to oral health, as its consumption not only darkens teeth but can also cause bad breath and other serious problems. In addition to tobacco, there are other drugs that can have negative effects on dental health, as they can destroy dental tissue and seriously damage the patient’s denture. Likewise, some medications can accelerate dental wear and alter the color of the teeth as a side effect.
- Bruxism: Which refers to the habit of clenching or grinding teeth, can be a long-term problem, as it leads to the calcification of dental nerve ducts, which in turn can cause a yellowish color in teeth.
- Trauma: Dental traumas are a common situation and can occur for various reasons, such as sports accidents or falls. Often, teeth can suffer irreversible damage, such as stains that cannot be removed with regular dental hygiene.
How can yellow teeth be treated?
As a starting point, it is necessary to go to the dentist to detect the cause of darkening to improve the appearance of teeth by applying the appropriate treatment:
- Oral cleaning: A quick and effective solution that can remove surface stains in the long term.
- Dental whitening: Under professional supervision in a specialized clinic with excellent hygiene and technology.
- Dental veneers: In addition to changing the color, they can slightly correct the shape and position of the teeth.
If you are looking for high-quality dental service in Tijuana, Baja California, then Prodent Mx is the perfect choice for you. With a team of highly trained professionals and a wide range of professional dental services that guarantee the best results.
Contact us for more information.
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