One of the primary contributors to yellowed teeth can be aging. As we get older our teeth may begin to stain beneath the outer layer of enamel. The food we eat can contribute as can beverages. Coffee in particular will dull the teeth enamel over time and ultimately discolor them. Soda and tea will have the same effect, causing the discoloration over a long period of time.
Consuming red wine on a regular basis can cause discoloration of the teeth, at times going past yellow towards a dark reddish stain. Tobacco use should be at the top of the list. Smoking has a strong effect on teeth, and chewing tobacco is even worse. In some of these instances the remedies offered today will work well. In others, such as years of tobacco use, teeth whitening may not be an option with the discolored tooth enamel.
Some teeth can discolor from within. A tooth that has been traumatized by an accident or blow of some sort can darken within due to an unhealthy nerve. Root canal procedures will have the same effect on occasion. Other medical conditions or treatments that can have an impact on tooth color are the use of radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy in the head and neck area. In these cases, the best treatment may be cosmetic dentistry whitening, which may involve laser whitening or even capping the teeth to give them a new look.
The antibiotic tetracycline can have a similar effect, especially when given to children or adolescents. Children’s teeth can also develop a chalky look or form lines on the surface from overexposure to fluoride. Children can also pick up too much fluoride through the use of toothpaste that contains it. Some dentists estimate that children under the age of five swallow most of the toothpaste they use.
Generally, yellow teeth can be minimized by seeing a dental hygienist every six months. However for most of us, when we seek treatment for yellow teeth the enamel is past the point of restoration simply through cleaning procedures. There are several at-home teeth whitening products that may be a good place to start trying to brighten your smile.