Common Yellow Teeth Causes & How to Address Them

If you have a discolored smile, you probably want to fix the issue as soon as possible. After all, pearly whites that don’t live up to their name can leave a bad impression. Still, you should first figure out the cause of your yellowed teeth. Doing so will improve your chances of finding an effective whitening solution. Luckily, your local dental practice can help you do that. Read on to learn some common causes and solutions for yellow teeth in Owings Mills.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Teeth develop stains — yellow or otherwise — for any number of reasons. Some of the most common ones are:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: When you don’t care for your teeth and gums, you’ll likely suffer plaque buildup or tooth decay. Left untreated, these things can hasten tooth discoloration.
• Genetics: As it turns out, tooth color can run in the family. If your parents’ teeth are yellow, there’s a good chance your own will also be. The shade can also vary from light to dark.
• Smoking: Tobacco products – from cigarettes and pipe smoke to chewing tobacco – can stain and turn teeth darker over time. These marks are primarily known for their yellow and brown griminess.

What are Some Possible Solutions?

When it comes to yellowed teeth, your best bet is to avoid them in the first place. That said, there are methods available to remove or hide tooth stains.

Stain Removal

With the right tools, you can likely remove the stains on your teeth. For instance, dentist-approved whitening strips, emulsions, and gels can bleach enamel white. You could then keep your whitened smile with professional teeth cleanings at regular dental checkups.

Stain Hiding

On the other hand, some tooth stains are stubborn and aren’t easy to remove. In those cases, you could benefit from dental treatments that hide said stains from view.

For example, consider dental bonding. By applying a tooth-colored resin to cover yellow marks, this treatment could whiten your smile in just a single one-hour appointment.

Most dentists also offer dental veneers. These thin ceramic layers can hide stains under beautifully white porcelain. Veneers’ results are also seamless and lifelike, thanks to their highly-customized materials.

When you know the source of your yellow teeth in Owings Mills, you’re in a better position to treat the problem. Talk to your local dentist to learn about other relevant causes and treatment options.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner is a dentist in Owings Mills, MD, having earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry. His specialties include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments and specific emergency procedures. Thanks to his advanced training, he also has experience with dental sleep medicine and sleep apnea therapy. Dr. Milner currently practices at Dolfield Dental and is reachable at his website or by phone at (410)-902-4110.