As we age, the tooth enamel (white protective cover of our teeth) thins down, exposing the dentin. This dense tissue is a significant component of everyone's teeth as it protects the inner pulp and gives your teeth their structure.
The dentin has a yellow tint and is darker compared to the enamel. That's why teeth get yellow while you grow older. Dentists use different shade guides to match the color of your teeth, with A1 being the brightest color of natural teeth and A4 being generally darker. Teens and kids usually have an A1 shade where their teeth are bright white, whereas the elderly have an A3 or A4 shade where their teeth are yellowish and darker.
Generally, young and middle-aged adults normally have an A2 shade which is the normal pleasing white tooth color most people have. But, sometimes, you can have yellow teeth or other discoloration at a younger age. Even children below the age of 15 may experience tooth discoloration.
That leads to the question of what causes yellow teeth and other discoloration, what can be done — are they preventable? If you feel self-conscious about your teeth not sparkling as before, here's a comprehensive guide to the causes, prevention, and treatment of tooth discoloration.
Tooth discoloration occurs when your teeth lose their sparkle and appear less white than they should or as they were. For example, teeth can turn yellow, develop dark or white spots, or become darker.
The reasons for teeth discoloration vary from one case to the other. While to some, it could be genetics, others develop yellow teeth and other discolorations due to environmental features, age, or underlying medical conditions.
Diet and other lifestyle habits are the most common causes of discoloration in most people.
Yellow teeth and other discoloration can result from different causes, falling into either extrinsic or intrinsic categories. The extrinsic causes entail external sources that come into contact with your teeth. These majorly include the foods you eat.
Extrinsic stains affect the outermost layer of your tooth and can be corrected by teeth whitening techniques.
The intrinsic category involves everything that internally affects your teeth. They majorly result from taking certain medications.
In detail, the common causes of tooth discoloration include:
1. Diet and Lifestyle habits
Dark-colored foods typically contain high pigmentation that cements the enamel, turning it yellowish or darker.
The dark color in red wine, tea, cola, blueberries, and coffee can stain and change the color of your teeth. On the other hand, most fruits like apples and other foods are acidic. Thus, they erode your tooth's protective layer (enamel), making it easier for discoloring pigments to attach.
Chewing and smoking tobacco can also discolor teeth.
2. Diseases
Most infections that attack the enamel and dentin can cause tooth discoloration. Also, there are specific treatments that can compromise the sparkle of your tooth.
Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation, for instance, are common culprits for tooth discoloration. Also, certain infections attacking expectant moms that may lead to the use of antibiotics may affect enamel development in their unborn babies, causing yellow teeth and other discolorations.
3. Medications
Medication solves one problem but may lead to the other. For example, giving a child (under the age of 8 and whose enamel hasn't fully developed) doxycycline or tetracycline may impact the color of their teeth.
Also, reports have indicated that cetyl pyridinium and chlorhexidine chloride mouthwashes stain teeth in many users. Those taking high blood pressure medications, antihistamines (like Benadryl), and antipsychotic medicines have also reported cases of teeth discoloration.
4. Old-Age and Genetics
Old age and genetics are some of the common natural causes of tooth discoloration. Genetically, some people are born having thinner or thicker enamel than others. The thin enamel exposes the yellow and darker dentin, making the teeth appear discolored.
As the years go by, the outer white pigment of your teeth, called enamel, gets thin, exposing the inner dentin. The new layer of your teeth (dentin) is typically yellowish and darker than enamel.
5. Dental Supplies
The supplies used in dentistry, especially those containing silver sulfide, have been reported to turn teeth into gray-black.
6. Environmental Features
Fluoride is excellent for strong teeth but is also a significant cause of yellow teeth, especially excessive use. Drinking water high in fluoride or using highly fluoridated toothpaste, supplements, rinses, and other applications can cause tooth discoloration.
7. Trauma
Teeth discoloration due to trauma occurs when a young kid (under the age of 8) hits the teeth, affecting enamel development. Also, a tooth injury in an adult can decrease blood flow to the affected tooth, making it appear darker.
For adults, the problem is often referred to as a dead tooth. They can appear yellow or black, and the darkness varies depending on how long blood stays without reaching the tooth.
Apart from trauma, dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay can also lead to dead teeth. Also, dental procedures like root canals are common causes of the problem in most adults.
Teeth discoloration, especially those falling under extrinsic causes, is preventable. They're typically diet-related or result from lifestyle habits.
Thus, practicing proper oral hygiene, cutting on discoloring food intake, and changing your smoking habits can help.
Discolored teeth and other discoloration may be treatable. But, the correct method and success depend on the type and cause of your tooth stain.
While several teeth whitening procedures are in the markets today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't approve over-the-counter teeth whitening. The American Dental Association recommends dentist-supervised teeth whitening.
Thus, consider talking with your dentist before trying any formula. Here are some methods you can use to whiten teeth.
Many people find professional teeth bleaching faster, more reliable, and more effective than home whitening procedures. Dental bonding, for instance, is a type of cosmetic dentistry process. It involves the application of a white resin into your tooth followed by hardening using a curing light.
The special curing light creates a bond between your tooth and the resin, improving the color and structure.
Also, your dentist may resort to dental crowns. They're suitable for damaged teeth and can offer protection, cover, and improve color.
Dental veneers are another for whitening yellow or discolored teeth. They're customized porcelain shells that dentists use to cover discolored front teeth and give you a beautiful smile. But, dental veneers are fragile, and biting into hard foods may break them.
Teeth whitening is possible but not applicable to everyone. Some teeth problems like gum disease may compromise your ability to benefit from the procedures. Your dentist will examine your oral health and advise you if this is right.
Teeth discoloration can significantly setback your beautiful smile and affect your interactions. But, you can easily avoid the discoloration, especially if you're still young or have no genetic relations, by staying away from staining foods, drinks, and tobacco.
Also, proper oral hygiene is key to preventing and controlling teeth discoloration. If you already have the pigmentation, consider talking to your dentist about teeth whitening.
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