You are careful to consider what you are eating and drinking, and you brush your teeth regularly, but they are still looking yellow and dingy. Is there something that you are missing?
Unfortunately, there are a few factors that might cause yellow teeth that you can’t necessarily control.
AGE AND YELLOWING TEETH
Unfortunately, yellowing teeth are often a part of the natural aging process. As you get older, your enamel will gradually thin on its own, exposing some of the yellow dentin layer.
This will make your smile look yellow and dingier than you are used to. While traditional whitening might not be able to help, your dentist can recommend other treatment options that can get your teeth looking as white as possible.
GENETICS
If your teeth are looking yellow, you may be able to blame your parents to a certain extent. Some people have a genetic disposition to yellow teeth, mostly because genetics can determine how thick your outer enamel is. If your genetic makeup causes your enamel layer to be on the thin side, more of the yellow dentin can shine through.
MEDICATIONS
There are certain prescription medications that can also lead to changes in the appearance of your teeth. Minocycline and tetracycline, both drugs to treat acne, are known to alter the appearance of the teeth. Even certain medications to control blood pressures and allergies can cause your teeth to appear yellow.
Even if there are certain factors that are out of your control when it comes to your yellowing teeth, there are still steps that you can take to prevent it from getting worse.
Eating stain causing foods or drinking coffee, soda, and red wine can further progress the discoloration of your teeth, and smoking is a major culprit of yellow and brownish stains. Changing your habits and contact our office about whitening can help to keep your smile looking white and beautiful.