Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow Even When You Brush Every Day? Causes, Prevention and Treatment

One of the best ways of ensuring healthy teeth is to brush your teeth two times daily. But despite this, you will be able to see that your teeth turn yellow in colour or get stained over time.

It is not always a sign of improper brushing.

Everyone's teeth have a natural colour that can be affected by different things. This includes food and drinks you consume, smoking, getting old, change in enamel and many more.

Understanding what caused discolouration is the key point in finding the right remedy.

Reasons for Teeth Discoloration

There are various reasons for the teeth becoming discolored or less bright than before.

1. Plaque and Calculus

When the teeth have too much plaque formation, they tend to become discolored or yellowish in color.

Brushing and flossing helps to prevent plaque formation, but the hardened plaque (calculus) is difficult to remove using the toothbrush at home.

Teeth cleaning procedures have to be done in case there is deposition of calculus on the surface of the teeth.

2. Tea, Coffee and other Food Items

Consumption of food items like tea and coffee can lead to the discoloration of teeth.

Food items having certain coloring elements can also cause discoloration of the teeth.

It does not mean that you need to stop the intake of such foods entirely. However, rinsing the mouth after consuming such food items will be helpful.

3. Usage of Tobacco

Usage of cigarettes and other tobacco products is also a common reason for external teeth discolouration.

In fact, tobacco consumption can result in formation of yellow, brown or even darker stains on teeth. It is also harmful to gum health, and increases risks of various dental conditions.

Thus, not using tobacco is useful not only for getting a whiter smile, but also for general oral health care.

4. Aging Process

Another natural factor which causes teeth discolouration is aging process.

The outer surface of a tooth known as enamel gets thinner as the person ages. At the same time, as the enamel loses its translucency, yellow dentin starts showing through.

Therefore, some discolouration may occur even despite following good dental hygiene practices.

5. Enamel Erosion

The constant intake of acidic foods and drinks might cause enamel erosion.

Since thinning of enamel causes dentin to show through, the teeth start appearing yellowish in color.

Intake of acidic drinks, frequent snacking, and diet-related issues might be the cause of erosion of enamel.

6. Medications and Certain Oral Health Conditions

Certain medications and oral health conditions might cause tooth discoloration.

The discoloration of the teeth could be internal, due to an injury sustained by the tooth or the dental pulp. Such staining might not resolve by brushing alone as the staining is not restricted to the surface of the tooth.

A dental check-up will reveal the reason behind the discoloration.

Are Yellowing Teeth a Sign of Bad Dental Care?

Not necessarily.

Some individuals have a slight yellow coloration of their teeth naturally, due to the color of their dentin or the density of their enamel.

However, a sudden change in staining, presence of tartar, discoloration of one tooth, or other changes should be examined by a dentist.

It shouldn’t necessarily be aimed at making all of one’s teeth white. One should strive to have healthy teeth and proper coloring depending on the structure of one’s natural teeth.

Is Teeth Cleaning Effective in Cases of Yellowing Teeth?

Professional teeth cleaning might prove useful in case there is discoloration from tartar, plaque, or surface stains.

With professional teeth cleaning, deposits that are difficult to get rid of by regular brushing can be cleaned.

However, cleaning does not necessarily change the natural colour of teeth.

If the discoloration is deeper or related to the internal structure of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a different treatment depending on the cause.

What Can Be Done to Avoid Tooth Discoloration?

Here are several easy tips that will assist in keeping your teeth clean and in better condition:

Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste.

Floss on a regular basis.

Rinse your mouth with water after tea, coffee, and foods that leave a color stain.

Do not smoke.

Consume fewer beverages that are highly acidic.

Do not brush your teeth hard.

Attend regular dental appointments.

Professional cleaning on the advice of your dentist.

Proper care of your mouth works best consistently rather than aggressively.

When Is It Time to See a Dentist?

You may require a dental check-up in case of:

Discoloration of teeth becoming more rapid.

One tooth being much darker compared to others.

Having persistent stains even though you take care of your teeth.

Seeing tartar on your gums.

Sensitivity of your teeth.

Bleeding or swelling of your gums.

Your dissatisfaction with the appearance of your smile.

A Dentist in Greater Noida  can examine your teeth and gums and find out what causes discoloration – staining, tartar, enamel problems or any other dental issue.


Whitening vs Professional Teeth Cleaning

The two processes are different from each other.

Professional cleaning concentrates primarily on the removal of plaque, tartar, and specific surface stains.

Teeth whitening process involves lightening of the color of teeth through proper whitening procedures.

In case the color of teeth is yellow due to tartar and surface deposits, cleaning becomes an appropriate first step to take. In case your teeth are in good condition but are darker than they should be, whitening can be recommended after consulting with a dentist.\

Cosmetic Dentist in Greater Noida can evaluate your smile and recommend what is right for you.

Why Are Dental Check-ups Important?

Many dental conditions do not exhibit any signs in their early stage.

A routine check-up will help your dentist keep track of:

Decay

Gums

Plaque

Tartar

Tooth sensitivity

Worn enamel

Existing restorations

Changes in color of the teeth

Problems can be solved at the early stage before they become dental issues.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can yellowing of teeth be reversed and made to be white?

Yes, depending on the cause of discoloration. Surface stains and tartar can be reversed following a teeth cleaning procedure.

2. Is scrubbing hard an effective way of getting rid of stains that make teeth appear yellow?

No. Scrubbing hard can result in the erosion of enamel and irritation of gums. Proper brushing with the right technique is advised.

3. What is the ideal frequency for professional cleaning of my teeth?

The answer to this question will depend on individual factors related to your teeth and overall oral hygiene. Your dentist is in a position to advise you.

4. Do tea and coffee have permanent effects on tooth discoloration?

Tea and coffee when consumed too frequently could lead to surface stains on teeth. Teeth should always be kept clean.

5. Is it okay to whiten my teeth without going to the dentist?

You should have a consultation with your dentist regarding your intention to whiten your teeth. This will ensure that you don't have any issues such as cavities first.

Conclusion 

Yellow teeth do not always indicate that someone has bad oral hygiene. In fact, stained enamel, tartar buildup, food and beverages, smoking, aging and changes in enamel can cause discolored teeth.

Brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding staining elements and visiting your dentist on a regular basis will keep your teeth protected.

If you are worried about yellow teeth or just want to improve their appearance, visiting the dentist will enable you to understand the cause of the problem and choose the best possible solution for yourself.

If you need personalized dental treatment, you can visit Best Dentist Doctor in Greater Noida which offers general, pediatric and cosmetic dental treatments among others.