Why Do My Teeth Look So Yellow?

If you’ve noticed that your teeth aren’t as white and bright as they used to be, you’re not alone. Tooth discoloration is incredibly common and can be treated depending on what’s caused them to lose their luster. We discuss some of those causes here.

Have you looked at your smile in the mirror recently and wondered why your teeth just don’t look as bright and white as they used to? Well, don’t fret, as tooth discoloration is extremely common. Plus, not only is it treatable, but there are also plenty of things you can do on your own to prevent much of it from happening again.

Many things can cause your teeth to lose their whiteness, and the trick to bringing your smile back to life is finding the root cause. So, our team at Wilshire Park Dental Group, located in Los Angeles, California, wants to discuss the main causes of tooth discoloration and how we can restore your smile’s whiteness.

Reasons your can teeth can become discolored

Causes of tooth discoloration fall under three different categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.

Extrinsic discoloration

This type of tooth discoloration affects only the outer surface of your teeth, otherwise known as the enamel. These are stains caused by outside environmental factors such as foods, beverages, and tobacco.

The most common foods and drinks that stain your teeth this way are berries, red wine, coffee, tea, red sauces, and chocolate. In addition, research suggests that the use of any tobacco products has a high likelihood of staining your teeth.

Extrinsic discoloration generally responds very well to teeth whitening products, which we offer in our office.

Intrinsic discoloration

If extrinsic staining happens outside your teeth, intrinsic staining starts inside your teeth. When you have intrinsic discoloration, it means that the layer underneath your enamel, known as dentin, has been affected in some way.

Intrinsic discoloration can happen due to genetics, tooth trauma, tooth decay, taking certain medications, or consuming too much fluoride. Unfortunately, this type of staining is resistant to tooth whitening products, but it can be addressed with other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. These are custom-made porcelain shells that fit over your existing teeth.

Age-related

As you age, your enamel starts to wear away, and your teeth lose their whiteness. When you get older, your teeth can also start to become brittle, making it much easier for them to become stained. Age-related discoloration can happen as a result of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

We can help you determine what treatment plan will be a good fit for your age-related stains.

Next steps

If your discolored teeth have left you feeling self-conscious about your smile, look no further than our cosmetic dentistry options. To schedule a consultation to figure out your best option, contact our team by giving us a call or by booking online today.