Has your smile seemed a little duller than usual lately? Or perhaps your teeth have had a yellowish hue for longer than you can remember. Either way, it should be something you want to address, and cosmetic dentistry is the secret to doing so! Here’s a closer look at some of the most common causes of yellow and stained teeth, along with what treatments might be best for addressing the issue.
What Can Cause Teeth to Turn Yellow?
There are several reasons why teeth may become yellow or discolored over time, including:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and certain dark-colored foods (like berries or tomato sauce) can stain the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth. Over time, these stains can build up and cause noticeable yellowing.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of yellow and brown tooth stains. Nicotine and tar not only discolor teeth, but can also lead to issues like gum disease or oral cancer.
- Poor oral hygiene is a fairly common cause of tooth discoloration; as plaque and tartar are allowed to build up, it can give your teeth a yellow appearance and cause your breath to smell foul, among other issues.
- Aging can also naturally cause the enamel layer of your teeth to wear down, revealing more of your yellowish dentin layer underneath. Some people are also born with thinner enamel due to genetics.
- Some antibiotics or medications can also lead to tooth discoloration.
How Can I Address Dental Discoloration?
Once you understand the cause of your teeth discoloration, there are several ways to brighten your smile. Professional teeth whitening treatments provided by your dentist are one of the fastest, safest, and most effective means of removing surface stains and significantly whitening teeth. These solutions are far more reliable than anything you’re able to purchase yourself at the store. Veneers can also be used to mask stubborn areas of discoloration, as can cosmetic tooth bonding. It’s also worth mentioning that cutting back on foods and beverages known to cause staining, like coffee, can also make a huge impact!
These days, more and more patients are turning toward cosmetic dentistry to unlock picture-perfect smiles – so if you have stained teeth you’d like to address, you aren’t alone, and your dentist can help!
About the Practice
The team at Mauck & Ricci, DDS, has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Aurora and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including cosmetic options like teeth whitening, veneers, and beyond. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the office to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (303) 974-4442.