Help! My Teeth Are Yellow

If you're noticing that your teeth are looking yellow, you're not alone. Yellow teeth are one of the most common dental complaints, and they keep people from sharing their smiles with the world.

Tooth discoloration can happen for various reasons, but you have plenty of ways to bring back a brighter smile. 

Take a moment as Dr. Ed Trizzino explains the common causes of yellow teeth and how whitening treatments here at Smiles of Atlanta can help you jazz up your smile.

Why are your teeth yellow?

There are many possible reasons why your teeth are yellow, and knowing what contributes to your staining can help determine your best whitening option.

Food

Foods and drinks like coffee; tea; tomato and curry-based sauces; red wine; and berries can stain your teeth over time. Even acidic foods can weaken your enamel, making it easier for stains to settle in.

Many stain-causing foods (like berries and turmeric) are nutritional powerhouses, and thankfully, you don’t have to give them up. If you do indulge in stain-inducing foods, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after you eat them. This helps wash any residual debris out of your mouth.

Poor oral hygiene

Inconsistent brushing and flossing routines can also contribute to yellow teeth. Unless it’s removed daily, plaque can build up, and because it’s naturally yellowish, it can make your teeth appear yellow. 

The best solution is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.

Aging

As you age, your enamel naturally wears away and reveals the yellowish dentin underneath. You can’t do anything about aging, but you can practice good oral hygiene to help control the stains.

Medication 

Some medications list teeth staining as a side effect. Drug-induced tooth staining is most common with tetracycline, followed by salmeterol, fluticasone, amoxicillin, and chlorhexidine.

You shouldn’t adjust or stop any medication unless directed to do so. If you’re concerned about this side effect, talk to your prescribing provider.

Smoking

Tobacco products are a leading cause of yellow teeth due to the nicotine and tar that cling to your enamel. If you smoke or use tobacco-based products, consider cessation programs. Not only does this help prevent future stains, it also reduces your risk of several diseases, including oral cancer.

Explore your solutions for yellow teeth

Now that you’ve reviewed the top causes of stained teeth, what about your options? Here at Smiles of Atlanta, Dr. Trizzino offers several cosmetic options to brighten your smile.

In-office whitening treatment

In-office whitening treatments use stronger whitening agents than both over-the-counter products and professional take-home products. Dr. Trizzino uses high-concentration peroxide gel to quickly brighten your smile in just one visit.

Take-home whitening treatment

Take-home whitening treatments are stronger than over-the-counter products, but not quite as strong as the in-office treatments. Take-home treatments involve wearing trays (filled with a specialized gel) for a few hours each day. You can also wear them overnight.

This gives you the power to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.

Veneers

While veneers aren’t technically considered “teeth whitening,” they may be the solution for teeth that have permanent stains, teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments, or cases where you want to address multiple cosmetic concerns at once.

Dr. Trizzino offers several types of veneers: traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers® (which are thinner than traditional veneers), and chair-side composite veneers (which require only one appointment). 

Regardless of which type of veneer you choose, the result is the same: a thin shell that covers the front surface of your teeth. You can customize all aspects of veneers, including their size, shape, and shade — effectively covering up any stubborn stains.

Say yes to your new smile

If you’re unhappy with the shade of your teeth, help is just a call or click away. Phone us in Atlanta, Georgia, at 770-407-8459 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation. You can also click here to book an appointment online and get started with the whitening treatment that’s right for you.