There are many causes of tooth yellowing, also called tooth “staining.” Some are the natural result of the aging process while others are closely linked to a person’s behavior. Knowing which causes are preventable can help you keep your dazzling smile as long as possible.
The major causes of tooth yellowing are:
• Genetics. Not all teeth are created equal. Some are just naturally whiter than others. Even colors can naturally vary from person to person. (Some people are just born with yellowish teeth.) Also, some people have enamel—the tooth’s hard outer surface—that is naturally thinner and more transparent than normal. Such transparency can allow the yellow-brown material beneath, called “dentin,” to more easily show through.
• Wear. As we age, natural wear and tear from chewing, acids and impacts both large and small cause tooth enamel to be worn away. Microscopic cracks can cause tooth surfaces to become rough and trap small food particles. Over time, these particles leave teeth permanently dull and discolored.
• Antibiotics. Some antibiotics—particularly tetracycline—when used during tooth formation can lead to adult teeth with dark gray or brownish bands.
• Diet. Many common foods can, over time, stain teeth. These foods (and drinks) include red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, blueberries and highly acidic fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit.
• Smoking. Just as cigarettes leave fingers stained with brownish nicotine, they also deposit brownish residue on teeth. (Just one more reason to give up cigarettes!)
• Fluoride. Although fluoride has been used for decades to help fight tooth decay, drinking fluoridated water or swallowing fluoride-bearing toothpastes or dental rinses can eventually lead to a condition called “fluorosis,” which leaves teeth discolored. If your community fluoridates its water and you’re over 18, consider switching to bottled water for everyday drinking purposes.
• Grinding. Many people nervously grind their teeth during the day, and even more do so unconsciously at night. Repeated grinding can both wear away tooth enamel and cause microfissures that trap food particles and cause teeth to darken. (Note: Damage from nighttime tooth grinding or jaw clenching can be minimized by having your dentist fit you with a customized nightguard.)
• Impacts. Trauma caused by violent impacts can crack enamel and result in tooth discoloration. If you play sports of any kind, wearing a mouth guard can minimize your risk of tooth damage (and discoloration) from this cause.
Would You Like to Become a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are on the forefront in the battle for good oral health. It’s a rapidly growing career field that can lead to a lifetime of challenges, rewards and both personal and professional satisfaction. For information on professional dental assisting training programs near you, contact Everest College today!
