5 Causes of Yellow Teeth, Revealed

Unsure how your teeth got so yellow? You aren’t alone.

Tooth discolouration often happens gradually, so it’s easy to overlook.

It may be a hard pill to swallow when you realise, but you can regain your brilliant white smile!

So, let’s look at the top five causes of yellow teeth before offering some tips and tricks for fixing them.

1Poor oral hygiene

Yellowing can be a sign of poor oral hygiene or infection in your mouth.

Not brushing or flossing your teeth correctly or often enough can wear down the tooth enamel, revealing the dentin (that’s the yellow part) beneath. Similarly, infection can cause bacteria to eat away at the enamel, yellowing your teeth.

Poor oral hygiene also lets sticky plaque build up on teeth. The longer it stays, the harder it gets, eventually turning into calcified deposits known as tartar. Both tartar and plaque trap food particles and bacteria, letting discolouration appear.

2Diet and drinks

Naturally, the food and drink you consume affects your teeth. Some can cause discolouration and yellowing, either through acids that erode your enamel or by staining your teeth. These are the most common culprits:

3Smoking and tobacco use

Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe, smoking can cause yellow teeth. The same goes for chewing tobacco! Why? Because of tar (a naturally dark substance) and nicotine (a colourless substance that turns teeth yellow when oxygen is present).

4Ageing

So far, we’ve covered causes that you can change. But this one is different. Unfortunately, your teeth may naturally yellow as you age.

The older you get, the more your enamel wears away, showing the dentin underneath. Your teeth also produce more yellow dentin as you age, giving them a duller, darker appearance.

5Medications and medical conditions

Both medications and medical conditions can affect the colour of your teeth. While this will likely be the last thing on your mind when you’re dealing with an illness, it’s worth knowing if you’re feeling self-conscious about your tooth colour.

Medications that can cause yellow teeth include:

Tetracycline. This broad-spectrum antibiotic is used in a variety of treatments, including for acne. However, it can cause yellow teeth, particularly in young children and pregnant women.

Antihistamines. These medications relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies but can also discolour your teeth.

Blood pressure medications. Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, heart rhythm medications, diuretics, and beta-blockers) can cause a dry mouth. A dry mouth makes swallowing difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and staining.

As for medical conditions, these are some of the most common that may cause yellow teeth:

• Coeliac disease
• Liver disease
• Calcium deficiency
• Eating disorders
• Metabolic diseases

How to prevent and treat yellow teeth

If you don’t have yellow teeth yet but are worried about it, here’s how to prevent it:

• Brush twice a day
• Avoid drinks that stain enamel
• Cut down on sweets and sugary drinks
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Replace your toothbrush or brush head regularly
• Use mouthwash
• Floss

Prevention is certainly better than cure, but don’t lose hope if you already have yellow teeth. There are a few things you can try to whiten them:

✓Crest 3D White Strips

This at-home solution removes tough stains, giving you a whiter smile without a visit to the dentist. Crest 3D White Strips whiten your teeth progressively, reducing the likelihood of sensitivity. They’re also easy to apply, fit comfortably, and are professional-approved.

✓Whitening fluoride toothpaste

Brush twice daily with this toothpaste, and use dental floss or interdental brushes to keep your mouth fresh and gradually reduce the yellow tint.

✓Eat more calcium

Eating calcium-rich foods can keep your enamel strong and stop dentin showing through.

Get the pearly whites of your dreams today!

Whether you have yellow teeth because of diet, smoking, ageing, or poor oral hygiene, Crest 3D White Strips can easily (and quickly) whiten them at home. Get your bright smile back!