1. Having poor Oral Hygiene
The habit of missing out on brushing or flossing promotes the accumulation of plaque. Plaque later becomes tartar that traps stains. Also, gum conditions worsen, and food particles are left and all these make teeth darker. This staining is prevented by ensuring proper oral care and cleaning of the teeth regularly.
2. Colouring Food and Beverages
Most foodstuffs and beverages have pigments and acids that will stick to enamel and stain teeth in the long term. This involves such foods as curry-based sauces, tomato-based foods, berries, dark sodas, tea, coffee, wine and sports drinks. If tooth discoloration or damage becomes severe, some people explore options like dentures near me to restore their smile. Enamel is also worn away by acidic foods enabling the yellow dentin beneath to show through.
3. Tobacco Use
Tobacco use, whether in the form of smoking or chewing, exposes a person to nicotine and tar. These substances cause yellowish-brown staining, and worst of all, they stain along the gumline, which is a stubborn stain that can be difficult to get out and is a primary cause of long-term staining.
4. Ageing
As you grow older, the enamel becomes thinner and is worn out by the chewing and exposure to acid. This exposes even more of the dentin layer underneath, which is naturally yellow. This coupled with the stains that have been built up over the years makes teeth appear darker during later years.
5. Genetic Factors
Other people have naturally thinner enamel or more transparent enamel that allows the yellowish dentin to peek through better. The colour of the teeth and the quality of the enamel may change very much depending on the hereditary characteristics.
6. Supplements and Drugs
Some drugs, particularly tetracycline or doxycycline taken when the teeth are developing (either in childhood or when in the womb) may permanently discolour teeth. Other drugs can cause discoloration such as some antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, and even iron supplements.
7. Overdose Fluoride (Fluorosis)
Mottled and discoloured enamel can result when too much fluoride is exposed to children as they grow up, either in water, toothpaste, or supplements. Fluorosis tends to manifest itself in the form of white spots or brownish-yellow areas when teeth are developing.
8. Dental Injury or Disease
Tooth damage may cause injury to the pulp, and result in the interior of the tooth becoming discoloured- usually grey, brown or yellow. Similarly, yellowing of teeth may be caused by health problems (e.g. metabolic disorders or liver disease) or medical interventions (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation).
9. Restorations and Dental Procedures
Older fillings, dental root canal procedures or dental crowns can darken with age or not match the natural tooth colour. These repairs may end up causing patches of local discolouration.
10. Deposits of Plaque and Tartar
Failure to remove plaque causes the latter to mineralise into calculus (tartar) which then entraps pigments and bacteria. This cemented layer may range between yellow and dark and it is only a professional clean up that can get rid of it.
Treatment of These Causes
Treatment options are dependent on the cause of yellow teeth:
•Cleaning and polishing: Removes extrinsic stains that result from plaque, tartar or food pigments.
Whitening treatments: Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in an in-office or at-home whitening system can be used to bleach the surface and some deep staining.
• Restoration repair: Discoloured fillings, crowns, or veneers can be changed to make a more even appearance.
Cosmetic: Dental bonding or porcelain veneers can provide long-term camouflage in the case of intrinsic discolouration that cannot be whitened sufficiently.
• Lifestyle changes: The consumption of staining foods and beverages should be minimised
