Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow?

Are you uncomfortable when you are asked to smile for pictures? Do you avoid looking at your mouth in the mirror every day? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel self-conscious about their yellowing teeth. Whether due to a poor diet, age, or bad oral hygiene, teeth can turn yellow and become quite an eyesore. But why are your teeth turning yellow?

But don’t worry; your teeth don’t have to be yellow forever. If you have ever looked at yourself and wondered, “Why are my teeth turning yellow?” then you’ll find your answers and treatment solutions below.

Here’s what your periodontist in Beverly Hills wants you to know about yellow teeth.

Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow?

Whether or not you follow a strict oral health routine, your teeth might still be turning yellow. Let’s take a look at why that is with the different causes of yellowing teeth:

Diet Problems

One of the most common reasons why people’s teeth turn yellow is that they are eating substances that are known to darken the teeth. Coffee and tea are both high in tannins, which is the chemical that stains the surface of the teeth. Soda and drinks that are high in sugar can also discolor the teeth more quickly. Blueberries and tomatoes are some produce items that are known to quickly darken the teeth.

Stress-Related Grinding

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, often happens as a result of stress or anxiety. Tooth grinding can contribute to the yellowing of the teeth as they lose their strength over time. By constantly gnashing your teeth together, you are weakening the outermost layer of your teeth. This layer is called enamel, and it is responsible for protecting the more sensitive parts of your tooth. Grinding the enamel away can cause pain and discoloration.

Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is one of the worst habits for your body to endure, especially when it involves an addiction to nicotine. Not only is smoking the biggest contributor to gum disease in the country, but it is also one of the major causes of tooth discoloration. Nicotine can turn teeth yellow very quickly, so it is important to nip this habit in the bud before it does permanent damage to your enamel. And nicotine doesn’t just cause damage on the surface of the teeth; it can infect your gums and contribute to oral cancer as well.

Age

If you are a healthy person with good eating habits and your teeth are still turning yellow, you may feel frustrated. You are taking care of yourself and doing everything right, so why are your pearly whites getting less pearly and white every day? Unfortunately, aging is a natural and common contributing factor to yellowing teeth. As we grow older, our teeth develop more dentin, which is the soft layer of teeth underneath the enamel.

The more dentin is developed, the less “translucent” the teeth look, giving them a darkening appearance. While this is sometimes unsightly, it is not a sign of poor oral health.

The Best Treatments for Yellow Teeth

Whether due to age, smoking, or just eating way too many blueberries, your teeth have grown dark and you are looking for the best treatment possible. While there are many over-the-counter products you can find at your local convenience store, the best solution for a full restoration of your teeth is to invest in professional teeth whitening.

With teeth whitening in Beverly Hills, you can give your teeth the amazing and bright look they deserve. A simple office visit can result in years of yellow stains being washed away. If you are looking to restore your teeth to their bright white state, this is the perfect solution for you.

Get Your Teeth Whitened in Beverly Hills!

Visit us at the office of Dr. Justin Raanan to learn more about professional teeth whitening. This quick and pain-free procedure applies a layer of whitening gel and a light-drying agent to lift the stains up and out of your teeth. You will be left with bright and shining teeth that will give you your confidence back. And you shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed when smiling for photos or looking in the mirror. You deserve to have a dazzling smile today!