Fade the shade: why teeth turn yellow and what you can do about them

Without a doubt, a bright white smile is seen as a hallmark of attractiveness, influencing how others perceive us. While the media plays a significant role in perpetuating the desire for having white teeth—think of the Hollywood stars with their perfect teeth and smiles—this attraction is innate and deeply rooted in our biology. Healthy teeth are indicators of good health and strong genetics, key traits that allowed the earliest cave dwellers to recognise a good mate.

Roll through the Millenia and the benefits of white teeth have evolved to include:

• A more youthful appearance: tooth discoloration is associated with aging, so whiter teeth make you look younger.

• Increased confidence: a bright smile boosts your self-esteem, making you feel more confident in social and professional situations.

• Positive first impressions: white teeth contribute to a polished and healthy appearance, which can create a lasting positive impression on others.

• Enhanced attractiveness: white teeth are associated with good health and hygiene.

• Improved oral health: maintaining white teeth involves good oral hygiene practices, which leads to better overall general and dental health.

Help! Why are my teeth yellow?

Before diving into the causes, it’s important to understand how teeth naturally lose their whiteness over time. Teeth are made up of several layers. The outermost layer, called enamel, is the whitest part of the tooth. Beneath it lies dentin, a yellowish layer that becomes more visible when the enamel wears down. The more the enamel thins or gets stained, the more the yellow dentin shows through causing teeth to appear yellow and discoloured. Yellowing teeth are a natural part of life, fortunately cosmetic dentistry services can reverse the effects.

The professional teeth whitening offered at Duxton Dental helps your teeth regain their natural brightness. While we can’t stop the aging process (although Botox treatments are available in Duxton Dental’s Christchurch clinic) , our team of dentists in Christchurch explore the options to mitigate the effects of time on your teeth through regular check-ups and recommend the best dental care for your teeth as you grow older. 

Aside from the natural wear and tear of teeth, there are several other factors that can make teeth appear yellow or brown, even if you brush your teeth regularly:

1. Yellow teeth from poor oral hygiene

One of the most common causes of yellow teeth is poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss properly allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, leading to stains that dull the teeth’s natural whiteness.

Improving your at-home oral hygiene routine is the first step. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash makes a significant difference. Regularly visiting a hygienist in Christchurch prevents the buildup of plaque that contributes to yellowing teeth. To eliminate deep-set stains, professional teeth whitening is essential.

2. Diet and lifestyle habits causing discoloured teeth

Certain foods and drinks are notorious for staining teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fizzy drinks lead to discoloration over time. Smoking or using tobacco products also cause yellow and brown stains on teeth that are difficult to remove without professional help.

Reducing your consumption of staining substances slows down the yellowing process, but once the damage is done, professional dental treatment is needed. Duxton Dental offers high-quality whitening treatments to effectively remove surface stains. For more stubborn stains, cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers could be an option, but your dentist will always advise of the best teeth whitening options appropriate to your unique circumstances.

3. Medications and health conditions

Some medications and treatments, including antibiotics like tetracycline, can cause teeth to yellow, especially when taken during childhood while teeth are still developing. Some health conditions and treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can cause discoloration too. In these cases, a more specialised approach to teeth whitening is required. Every dentist should always evaluate the underlying cause of the yellowing before recommending the best teeth whitening dental treatment to get the best results.