As a person gets older, the white enamel on their teeth becomes worn. When this happens, the calcified tissue underneath starts to show through. This tissue is called dentin, and it has a yellowish color.
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow? Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
However some people have teeth appearing naturally yellow irrespective of the kind of foods they have. It is because the dentin layer beneath the enamel is naturally yellow. The color of the dentin is barely visible for some while in others who have thinner enamel the yellow shade appears more visible.
Healthy teeth are bright white and sparkle when you catch them in the light. Yellow teeth indicate plaque buildup, poor dental hygiene, or something more serious like gingivitis or oral cancer.
Even with daily brushing, certain foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. For example, frequently drinking coffee, tea and wine can all lead to yellow teeth. In addition, even regular brushing cannot always combat yellow teeth caused by smoking cigarettes.
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
“Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth,” notes Crest. Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
Some people still have naturally whiter teeth than others. Maybe it's a result of good oral hygiene, maybe it's just good genetics, or maybe they're just young enough that their teeth haven't started yellowing yet. Unfortunately, all of our teeth tend to yellow and discolor with age.
Healthy teeth are usually off-white or slightly yellowed, and teeth naturally darken over time. But if you notice brown, black, or green stains on your teeth, you may have a chronic condition or need a thorough dental cleaning.
Natural Enamel Thickness & Translucency
Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish color. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone, but more so for those with naturally thinner or more translucent enamel.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
In a 2012 study, researchers learned that yellowed teeth downgraded a person's attractiveness. They believed this is because teeth are “ornaments” that can draw in potential suitors. When humans smile, we're like a colorful bird showing off its tail feathers.
Brushing your teeth diligently helps remove harmful plaque and bacteria from your teeth but isn't effective whiten them.
#3 Brushing Isn't Designed to Whiten Teeth
As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times. So, more often than not, yellow teeth are actually stronger than pearly white ones–so long as they're cleaned regularly.
A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.
Even though the choice is ultimately up to you, a good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure your teeth aren't any whiter than the whites of your eyes for the most natural appearance.
They are actually covered by thin sheets of resin or porcelain called veneers. These tiny scale-like items can be used to reshape teeth, make crooked teeth look straight, or make naturally off-white teeth look impeccably white.
So, how do the vast majority of celebs, from Matt Damon to Emma Watson, achieve such perfect teeth? One word: veneers. Cosmetic dentistry (veneers and no-prep veneers in particular) is the only sure-fire way to get a Hollywood-level smile.
Brush twice a day, floss every day, and brush after each meal when possible. If you avoid food and beverages that cause discoloration, your teeth whitening results will last longer. Removing food residue before it can stain your teeth is a foolproof whitening strategy. Certain healthy foods can cause stains.
Thin enamel can be a result of poor hygiene or family genetics. Staining from food and drinks: Many foods and beverages can stain teeth's enamel, including soda, coffee, tea, lemon, tomato sauce and dark-colored berries. Over time, these tooth stains can build up and cause your child's teeth to take on a yellow hue.
If your child's teeth are not being brushed at least twice a day for 2+ minutes, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar (hardened and calcified plaque) can form on their teeth. Plaque can attract stains from foods and beverages, and tartar has a yellowish-brown color that may also discolor the teeth.
As you begin to age, your tooth enamel will start to wear away, revealing the dentin within the tooth. This dentin has a yellowish colour. Your teeth will also begin to create more dentin as you age, which also causes teeth to have a darker appearance.