Why Teeth Turn Yellow

We all want that picture-perfect white smile to feel confident in showing off. Unfortunately, teeth naturally yellow and dull over time. This process is sped up by the foods and drinks we consume and other lifestyle habits. Thankfully, professional whitening can help to lift and dissolve these stains. To prevent them from occurring in the first place, it’s important to know what may cause your teeth to yellow.

Smoking

Not only is smoking detrimental to your health, but it is a problem for your smile. Smokers are more likely to have gum disease and tooth loss over time, but it’s common for them to have yellowed, browned and stained smiles. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes contributes to this yellowing, causing deep stains and discoloration.

Chewing Tobacco

You may assume that going smokeless is a safe option, both for your teeth and health. Unfortunately, chewing tobacco is just as problematic to the color of your teeth. In fact, smokeless tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer and can contribute to a browned, dull smile. It’s best to avoid chewing tobacco and instead switch to a sugar-free chewing gum, preferably one containing xylitol.

Tea, Coffee and Soda

Most people love to start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You might not feel like yourself until you drink your favorite morning-time beverage. Likewise, many people enjoy washing down their favorite meals with a cold soda. Unfortunately, tea, coffee and soda can all contribute to deep staining.

Wine

Drinking a glass of wine is a great way to unwind after a long day. Unfortunately, just as wine would stain your rugs and carpeting, it can easily stain your smile. This is especially true of the darker wine varieties like red and burgundy.

Staining Foods

You may not even think of your favorite foods as contributing to the staining of your teeth. Foods like berries, chocolate and red sauces can all eventually yellow your teeth and cause a dulled appearance.

Aging

Just the act of aging can contribute to a yellowed and dull smile. A patient who is 70 years old will have a duller smile than a patient who is 20 years old. Unfortunately, this is a simple part of aging that is natural and to be expected.

If you are ready to whiten your smile professionally, call our office and we can help to get you in for an appointment.