Yellow Teeth | Reasons| Discolored teeth |Causes

By- Dr. Abi Negi | Yellow Teeth | Reasons | Treatments

Yellow Teeth | Reasons | Causes | Treatment | Dr. Abi Negi

A bright and confident smile is something many people desire, but yellow teeth can often hinder that confidence. The good news is that you don't have to live with yellow teeth forever.

Fortunately, understanding the reasons behind yellow teeth and the available treatment options can help you achieve a whiter, more radiant smile.

In this article, we will delve into the various causes of yellow teeth and discuss effective treatments to regain your pearly whites.

What are the reasons for tooth discoloration?

Yellow teeth could be due to many reasons:

Extrinsic Teeth Stains

Found on the outer surface of teeth.
Stains get attached to the tooth surface due to attractive forces and for this reason, can be easily removed.

Extrinsic Teeth Stains examples

Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and marijuana, the color of teeth will be yellow-brown to black color and dark brown to black rings.
Coffee, tea, food, and the color of the teeth will be yellow brown to black.
Poor oral hygiene, the color of the teeth will be yellow or brown shades.

Intrinsic Teeth Stains

Intrinsic stains are present from within the teeth.

Intrinsic discolorations are due to the presence of chromogenic material within the enamel or dentin, incorporated either during periods of tooth development or they may be acquired after completion of tooth development.
Intrinsic stains are not removable or extremely difficult to remove with chemicals alone.
The color of the intrinsic stain will be yellow, brown, blue, black, and gray.

Intrinsic Teeth Stains Examples

Fluorosis.
Aging.
Genetic conditions like Amelogenesis imperfecta, Dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Systemic conditions like Jaundice, Porphyria.
Medications during tooth development like Tetracycline, Fluoride.

Body by-products like Bilirubin, Hemoglobin.
Tooth changes like Tooth pulp canal obliteration, Tooth pulp necrosis with hemorrhage/without hemorrhage.
Iatrogenic causes ( happened due Dental related treatments like filling or Root Canal treatment) like Trauma during pulp extirpation, Tissue remnants in the pulp chamber, Dental Filling materials, and RCT materials.

Yellow teeth Treatment

1. Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening At Home

TOOTHPASTE

1. Herbal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Ayurvedic teeth whitening toothpaste is made from natural ingredients like neem, bromelain, Meswak, papain, fruit extract*, amla, salt, citrus fruits, etc.
Examples of Herbal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Glodent, Himalaya Sparkling White, Charcoal Based, Rocksalt based, Glizer, etc.

2. Chemical-Based Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Conventional whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and bleaching agents such as silica, pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide, which remove the extrinsic stains, thereby lightening the teeth' color.
Examples of Chemical-Based Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Colgate optic white, Sensodyne gentle whitening, etc.

MOUTHWASHES

Teeth-whitening mouthwashes commercially available as

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 3%
Himalaya Sparkling White Mouthwash
Few teeth whitening mouthwashes examples - Hydroxyl Mouthwash 3 %, Parachem Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, etc
It is advisable to use teeth whitening mouthwashes only 3-4% on a daily basis as a mouth rinse.

WHITENING STRIPS

Crest 3D Whitestrips
Oral-B 3D Whitestrips
Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

CHEWING GUMS

Optic White
Whitening Gum by Wrigley's
Mentos White

BLEACHING PENS

Colgate Whitening Pen
Dr Brite Teeth Whitening Pen

HOME KITS

-Colgate Visible White Professional Teeth Whitening Kit
Teeth Whitening Kit by Pearl Drops

At-home teeth bleaching is the commonly used technique.

Easily done by patients and are less expensive. It uses a custom-fit tray with 10% carbamide peroxide.

Teeth Whitening in Dental Clinic

The most effective Teeth whitening results in professional teeth whitening procedures.

Professional Teeth Whitening / In-office teeth whitening (dentist visit)

This technique generally uses a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution that is directly placed on the teeth. Effective results can be obtained in one, two, or three visits.
Teeth whitening materials are commercially available in the form of a gel.

With Laser or Light-Assisted Power Bleaching

The light source systems generate heat to activate the bleaching agent. The heat causes rapid dissociation of hydrogen peroxide potentiating the bleaching effect.

Without Light or Laser

30–35% hydrogen peroxide in gel/ liquid form is applied directly on the front surface of the teeth.
Teeth whitening material is allowed to remain on the tooth surface for 8-10 minutes.
No light is used.

2. Professional Teeth Cleaning and polishing

Yellow teeth due to

poor oral hygiene
tobacco
coffee
tea
smoking
Plaque buildup
tarter calculus
superficial stains only

Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist to remove yellow stains from the surfaces of the teeth.

3. Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made coverings that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth.
Veneers can effectively cover up yellow discoloration, including a bluish hue, and create a natural-looking smile.

4. Dental Crowns

In cases where the yellow discoloration is severe or if there are structural issues with the teeth, dental crowns may be recommended.
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that completely cover the affected teeth.

5. Dental bonding

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth surface to improve its appearance.
It can be an effective solution for covering up yellow discoloration and creating a more uniform look.
Dental bonding is typically used for mild to moderate cases of yellow discoloration.

Yellow teeth can be a source of self-consciousness and affect your confidence in social and professional settings.

By addressing the underlying causes and seeking appropriate treatment, such as professional dental cleaning, teeth whitening procedures, or lifestyle changes, you can restore the natural whiteness of your teeth and enhance your smile.

Remember to consult with a dentist for a personalized assessment and guidance on the best treatment options for your specific situation.

With a commitment to oral hygiene and the right approach, you can achieve a brighter, more radiant smile that boosts your self-esteem and leaves you beaming with confidence.

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)