This is a question that a lot of people ask themselves. The truth is, yellow teeth can be caused by a variety of different factors. As always, we recommend speaking to one of our dental experts in order to properly diagnose your condition.
While causes can vary, there are a number of common reasons why you may be experiencing yellow teeth. This includes:
Thin Enamel
When the enamel on your teeth is thin, the dentine underneath shows through. Dentine is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth. Thick enamel covers up the dentine, but keep in mind it doesn’t always block the stains that build up on the surface.
Aging Teeth
Unfortunately, teeth tend to yellow with age, enamel starts to wear away from years of chewing and exposure to acidy foods and drinks. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some turn shades of grey.
Are you a smoker?
Smoking isn’t just an unhealthy addiction; the nicotine leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth.
Antibiotics
According to the National Institutes of Health, if your mother took antibiotics during the second half of her pregnancy, or you have to take them before you turned eight, you may have permanently stained adult teeth. These antibiotics stain teeth when they’re developing in the gums.
Fluoride
Fluoride is good for teeth, but too much can actually cause white/yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride.