Are Yellow Teeth Normal? Causes and Facts You Should Know 

Do you struggle to strike a pose and show off your pearly whites because of yellow pigmentation on your teeth? Do you ask yourself the question; are yellow teeth normal? Well you are not alone. 

A lot of people believe that pearly white teeth are the standard for a healthy smile, but in reality, natural teeth come in various shades with a slightly yellow tint. This is more common than you might think; however, there are moments when yellow teeth become a cause for concern. Let’s dive into the causes, facts, and what you can do about yellow teeth.

Should I Be Insecure About My Yellow Teeth?

The colour of your teeth is based on several factors that include genetics, diet, and oral hygiene. 

The outermost layer of your teeth which is called enamel, is naturally white or slightly translucent. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, which has a yellowish hue. If your enamel is thin or worn down, the yellowish colour of the dentin becomes more visible. This is why some people naturally have slightly yellow teeth, even with good oral hygiene.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

1. Ageing

With age, your enamel naturally wears down, making the yellowish dentin underneath more visible. This process is normal and happens to everyone over time.

2. Genetics

Some people are genetically born with thicker or thinner enamel, which affects the appearance of their teeth. If yellow teeth run in your family, it may just be your natural tooth colour.

3. Diet and Staining Foods

Certain foods and drinks are one of the main causes of staining teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured sodas contain tannins that can discolour your enamel over time. Acidic foods like citrus fruits can also damage your enamel.

4. Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting proper oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar buildup that causes your teeth to appear yellow. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular dental checkups can help maintain your teeth’s natural colour.

5. Smoking and Tobacco

Nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause deep staining on your teeth, leading to persistent yellow or brown discolouration.

6. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Habitual teeth grinding can wear down your enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath and making teeth appear discoloured.

7. Fluorosis

Excessive use of fluoride can also lead to discolouration of your teeth.

8. Antibiotics 

Certain types of antibiotics, like tetracycline antibiotics and beta-lactam/penicillin antibiotics, which include amoxicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin, can also lead to discolouration of teeth depending on the dosage and length of treatment and the age of the patient.

Types of Tooth Discolouration

There are two main types of tooth discolouration:

Extrinsic discolouration:

Extrinsic discolouration affects the outer surface of your teeth (enamel). Exposure to certain environmental factors, like certain foods and beverages cause extrinsically discoloured teeth.

Intrinsic discolouration:

Intrinsic discolouration starts inside your tooth and affects your dentin (the layer that is underneath your enamel). This condition usually happens due to dental trauma and certain strong medications.

Is It Normal To Have Yellow Teeth?

In most cases, yellow teeth can be a sign of poor health. However, if yellowing is accompanied by tooth sensitivity, pain or even bad breath, it could indicate underlying dental problems such as cavities, enamel erosion, or gum disease. Consulting your dentist in Werribee can help determine if your tooth discolouration is normal or a sign of an issue that needs immediate dental attention.

Prevention for Yellow Teeth

1. Improve Oral Hygiene Habits

Remember to stick to a daily routine and brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque between your teeth. You can also add an extra step and use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup.

2. Limit Staining Foods and Drinks

It’s okay to give in to the indulgence, but keep in mind to drink coffee, tea or red wine in moderation. Simply use a straw when drinking staining beverages to minimise contact with teeth and always rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods.

3. Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can improve your overall health as well and prevent your teeth from getting discoloured.

Treatment for Yellow Teeth?

Our dentist in Werribee will recommend different tooth discolouration treatments depending on the underlying cause and whether the stains affect the outer or inner layers of your teeth. Below are a few options that you can look at once you come in for a consultation.

Teeth whitening

This method uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.

In-office professional whitening treatment takes about one hour to complete, while take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for around six weeks.

Dental bonding

If you have badly discoloured teeth that won’t improve with teeth whitening, our dentist may recommend dental bonding. This process involves applying tooth-coloured composite resin to conceal yellow and discoloured teeth.

Bonding is much more affordable compared to other options such as porcelain veneers, but you’ll probably need touch-ups every five to seven years. This is a great option if you have a few discoloured teeth.

Porcelain veneers

If you have more than a few teeth that have discolouration that doesn’t improve with whitening, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. These tooth-coloured ceramic shells are thin yet strong and look and feel like natural teeth. Veneers are permanently glued to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discolouration or any other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth.

Dental crowns

Sometimes tooth discolouration is a symptom of cavities. If you have weakened or decayed teeth in addition to discolouration, our dentist and Wyndham Smile Dental may recommend dental crowns.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. 

This is a great method to improve the health and functionality of your teeth as well as their appearance.

Myths About Yellow Teeth

1. Yellow Teeth Mean Poor Hygiene

This is not always true. Some people are naturally born to have yellowish teeth despite maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

2. Whitening Toothpaste Can Instantly Whiten Teeth

Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains but won’t change the natural colour of your teeth overnight.

3. The Whiter, The Healthier

Extremely white teeth are not always healthier. Overuse of whitening treatments can damage enamel, leading to sensitivity and other dental problems, which is why it’s always best to consult with your dentist before the use of any kind of treatment.

Having a slight tint of yellow in your teeth is normal for many people and doesn’t necessarily indicate poor health. However, if it is accompanied by sensitivity and pain, it could be due to an underlying health risk. If you’re concerned about the colour of your teeth, contact us today  and our Werribee dentist can help you determine the best approach to restore and maintain your bright and healthy smile.