About Teeth Discolouration

Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older; when the enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a greyish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain. 

When you look into the mirror, it feels very disturbing to see yellow or even slightly discoloured teeth. Here are few reasons that cause teeth discolouration.

1. Genetics

Sometimes, tooth colour runs in the family. This colour varies across a spectrum from light to dark. Reddish brown, light yellow, light grey and white are the four natural shades and this depth of colour varies across a spectrum from light to dark.

2. Dentin

Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and it is often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror.

3. Wear and tear

Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older; when the enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a greyish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.

4. Smoking

Nicotine from smoking does not just develop an unhealthy addiction; it leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth.

5. Foods

A wide range of foods stain teeth including tomato sauces, spices and fruits. They contain pigments that cling to tooth enamel and stain the surface.

6. Drinks

Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth. Others include sodas, wine and sports drinks with artificial flavoring.

7. Antibiotics

Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they are developing in the gums.

8. Fluorosis

Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride. A dental professional should be consulted if the intake is too much through these means.

9. Accidents

Impact of an accident or physical trauma can crack tooth enamel and damage the tooth's interior, leading to discolouration that may indicate bleeding that needs professional attention.

10. Grinding

Tooth grinding is an unconscious habit some people have when they are stressed, especially while asleep. Also known as bruxism, it is quite harmful to tooth enamel, weakening it to the point of cracking and yellowing

Few people have naturally white teeth, as teeth tend to yellow with age. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups can help to keep teeth bright.

Yellow teeth are not usually the sign of a health problem. However, a dentist should be consulted for enamel loss and tooth decay.

Natural remedies can help people whiten their teeth at home. A dentist can also offer professional teeth-whitening.

By Dr Swagat Pranam Sharma

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