Tooth discolouration and “Do Teeth Turn Yellow As You Age?” is a most common patient concern that we regularly hear from our patients. There are several reasons why teeth, begin to turn yellow; the ageing process is one of them. As you begin to age, your tooth enamel will start to wear away, revealing the dentin within the tooth. This dentin has a yellowish colour. Your teeth will also begin to create more dentin as you age, which also causes teeth to have a darker appearance.
Why do teeth turn yellow?
As we’ve said, ageing is the number one cause of yellowing teeth, as the enamel wears away over time through exposure to acids and general wear and tear. However, in some cases, your teeth becoming discoloured is unavoidable, as genetics can also play a part, especially if tooth colour runs in the family.
Other Causes of teeth staining
Many things can cause your teeth to become yellowed or discoloured. Tobacco and smoking are most common, as this can stain teeth very quickly. A diet that is heavy on coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, and dark wine can also cause your teeth to become stained and become discoloured. These stains are tough to remove, even when using a whitening toothpaste and brushing a minimum of twice per day. Some other common causes of tooth discolouration include:
- Disease – If you have had chemotherapy or certain infections, it can cause your teeth to become discoloured.
- Certain medications like antibiotics can cause staining.
- Oral Trauma – If you have suffered dental trauma, they may begin to become discoloured.
- Fluorosis – Fluoride is present in many kinds of toothpaste, but too much fluoride can actually do more harm than good to your teeth and can cause yellow or brown staining on the teeth.
- Tooth grinding – If you struggle with Bruxism, you may be wearing your tooth’s enamel down quicker than you realise, which can lead to yellowing.
Is Tooth Discoloration Preventable?
Luckily, we can prevent many forms of tooth discolouration with a few lifestyle changes. Avoiding food and drink that can stain your teeth and quitting smoking use are excellent ways to prevent any further discolouration of your teeth. Regular dental cleanings every six months are perfect for staining and removing plaque or tartar buildup; However, sometimes, these measures aren’t enough; some discolouration will still naturally occur as you age.
How can you remove yellow stains from your teeth?
There are plenty of “home remedies” circulating online for how to remove yellow stains from your teeth, but many of these are not safe. It’s important that you always seek the expert advice of your dentist before trying anything at home, as this will help you avoid causing further damage, and will ensure you get a high quality, long-lasting whiter smile.
How Is Tooth Discoloration Treated?
There are several ways we can restore your teeth to their natural brighter and whiter appearance, and the method you choose will depend upon your individual needs and what your dentist recommends. Some of the most common tooth whitening treatments are:
- Teeth whitening toothpaste – you can buy whitening toothpaste over the counter, though these should be used with caution. If your discolouration has been caused by ageing or thinning of your tooth enamel, abrasive or chemical whiteners may not solve the problem.
- Professional Whitening is an excellent method for patients whose tooth discolouration.
- Veneers, these custom-made porcelain shells fit over the front surface of your teeth and can not only help correct tooth discolouration but several other dental issues as well. They are an excellent solution for those who want a brighter, healthier-looking smile in very little time.
- Composite bonding this method is usually preferred when a single tooth is discoloured due to oral trauma or other damage.
Regardless of the type of tooth discolouration you’re experiencing, we have treatments that can help. Contact Gipsy Lane today and let our friendly, highly qualified team advise you on the best whitening solution that will be best for you.
