Dental yellowing, or staining, is the term for discoloration of the enamel of the teeth. There are several reasons for dental staining, including diet, bacteria, exposure to tobacco, fluoride and medications, as well as genetics.

Most people will develop dental staining as they age, but it can also happen from unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol. These habits can be damaging to teeth, and can cause discoloration to surface layers of the tooth.

The teeth are the largest organ in the body. That means they can absorb a lot of toxins, which can then seep through the tooth enamel. In turn, this can cause teeth to stain.

If you’re concerned about yellow teeth, don’t panic! There are things you can do to avoid dental staining. Here are some ways to protect your pearly whites.

What are yellow teeth?

Yellow teeth can be caused by a number of things. The most common reasons for yellow teeth are smoking, drinking and poor dental hygiene.

Diet

You may notice that certain foods can cause discoloration to your teeth. Foods such as dark berries, tea and coffee can stain your teeth.

Tobacco

Smoking can cause staining to teeth. Tobacco contains chemicals that can break down the enamel of your teeth.

Medications

Many prescription drugs, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, can cause yellow teeth.

Genetics

Teeth can also become stained due to genetic predisposition. Teeth can become stained from certain inherited conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.

Other Causes

There are other causes of dental staining, including:

Pregnancy

Having a baby can cause your teeth to become darker.

Bacteria

Certain bacteria can cause staining to teeth. Bacteria can cause stains on the enamel layer of your teeth, as well as the dentin layer.

Fluoride

Taking fluoride supplements, such as fluoride toothpaste or fluoride mouthwash, can cause staining.

Diet and Oral Hygiene

Keeping your teeth clean can help prevent dental staining.

How to protect your teeth from dental staining

In order to protect your teeth from staining, it’s important to keep your teeth clean. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, use a whitening toothpaste recommended by your dentist and don’t forget to visit your dentist twice a year.

You may also consider using a professional whitening system, like Zoom! Whitening.