Why are my teeth yellow?

What is discolouration?

Some teeth are naturally more yellow-looking

It means teeth that are no longer as white or bright as they were or are expected to be.  They may develop white or dark spots or turn from white to yellow, grey, black or brown.

There are 3 main reasons why your teeth might not be the pearly white of your Hollywood-style dreams:

1.    Extrinsic: the outer layer (enamel) is stained by something coming in to contact with the outside of your teeth

2.    Intrinsic: the inner layer (dentin) becomes more yellow or darkens. Caused by changes inside the teeth or body

3.    Ageing: enamel naturally thins with age, showing more of the yellow dentin underneath. This can also be why some people think their teeth look translucent. Damaged teeth can also become discoloured

A dentist can tell the cause of discolouration by examining the teeth.

Why are my teeth yellow?

• Genetics: you may have a naturally thin white outer layer of enamel, exposing more of the yellow dentin layer underneath

• Ageing: The white enamel becomes thinner

Why are my teeth brown / brown stains between teeth?

• Smoking stains teeth

• Certain food and drinks like tea, coffee and red wine cause staining

• Poor brushing means failure to remove plaque on teeth, which can lead to decay

Why do my teeth have white spots?

• An intake of too much fluoride in drinking water, mouth wash or tooththpaste in children under the age of eight, can cause Fluorosis, which may cause white spots or other discolouration

Why are my teeth grey or black?

• Tooth decay (pulp necrosis) due to poor oral hygiene

• Chewing betel nuts

• Exposure to certain minerals can cause a black line on teeth

Why are my teeth purple?

• Have you been drinking red wine?

• Eating blackberries or beetroot can cause staining

Most likely causes of stained, discoloured teeth

1.    There are many drink and food culprits. These are the most common:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Coffee, tea, red wine and cola

• Certain foods e.g. curry, apples and potatoes

2.    Poor oral hygiene: not brushing well enough to effectively remove the plaque on the surface of the teeth causes decay and staining

3.    Mouth washes containing chlorhexidine

4.    Some dentistry materials e.g. amalgam fillings can cause teeth to turn grey or even black

5.    Some medication can cause teeth to discolour e.g. antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline if given to children under the age of eight. Also Antihistamines(like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure

6.    Certain diseases and conditions such as certain infections in pregnant women can affect the development of the baby’s enamel, causing discolouration.

7.    Treatment for cancer such as radiation of the head and neck or chemotherapy

8.    Trauma: Damage to teeth, for example due to a fall, can cause discolouration in both children and adults

9.    Ageing: Over time the white outer coating of teeth (enamel) can wear away, leaving the more yellow dentin layer underneath looking more noticeable

10.Genetics: Some people just naturally have thicker, whiter enamel than others (I know, this one just seems unfair!)

11.Environment: An intake of too much fluoride, either in drinking water or swallowing fluoride in mouth washes, rinses or toothpaste can cause fluorosis – discolouration of teeth

Top 3 tips to keep your teeth pearly white:

1.    Brush properly and regularly – twice per day for two minutes. See our guide to brushing effectively (Insert link to How to brush your teeth)

2.    Avoid starting or decide to stop behaviours that cause staining like smoking or drinking excessive coffee, tea or red wine. Worst case: swill your mouth with water afterwards

3.    Visit your dentist and hygienist at least every 6 months. If you notice sudden tooth discolouration for no reason, visit sooner