Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?

Have you ever wondered, “Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?” Many believe that regular brushing and flossing will result in whiter teeth, yet this isn’t always true. Despite consistent daily oral care, yellow spots and stains can still develop on your teeth. So why do teeth turn yellow even with good oral hygiene?

Read on to discover the reasons behind yellowing teeth, including why staining persists despite your daily brushing routine.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Many individuals assume that teeth should be perfectly white, but the natural color of a tooth falls within a range of shades. Yellow or grayish-yellow teeth are entirely normal, particularly as one ages. Over time, your teeth may darken as natural changes occur and stains accumulate on their surface.

As time passes, the outer layer of the teeth, known as enamel, may wear down gradually, becoming thinner and revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin, situated beneath the enamel, naturally presents hues ranging from deep yellow to brown. Even with thicker enamel, teeth are still prone to staining from different foods and beverages.

There are several potential causes for yellowing teeth, including:

Accidents

An accident that causes physical trauma to your tooth can lead to a yellow appearance. Damage can crack the tooth enamel, causing the dentin to become more visible.

Antibiotics

Tetracycline antibiotics can stain your teeth while they are still developing in the gums. Previous research has found that these medications can permanently stain your teeth. If your mother took these antibiotics during the second half of her pregnancy or if you took them before the age of 8, it could lead to a gray tooth color.

Drinks

Various drinks, such as coffee, tea, sports drinks, dark sodas, and red wine, stain your teeth.

Genetics

Genetics plays a crucial role in the color of your teeth. Tooth color exists on a spectrum of shades, and some individuals may naturally lean towards yellow or grey hues.

Grinding

Tooth grinding habit can weaken your tooth enamel over time, resulting in a more yellowish hue.

Fluorosis

Although fluoride is beneficial for your teeth, excessive exposure can result in yellow or yellow-brown spots, known as fluorosis. Overconsumption of fluoride can occur through fluoridated well water, fluoride toothpaste, and prescribed fluoride tablets.

Foods

Certain foods have the potential to stain your teeth if not promptly washed away. Red pasta sauces, dark berries, and similar foods can leave stains on your teeth, contributing to a yellowish appearance.

Smoking

The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes lead to yellowing and staining of the teeth. This staining tends to worsen over time with continued smoking.

Wear

As teeth age, enamel naturally wears away due to acids from foods and beverages. This gradual thinning of enamel can result in teeth appearing yellower. Additionally, some teeth may darken due to other types of staining over time.

What Are The Types Of Tooth Stains?

Tooth stains come in two main types: extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains appear on the outer surface of your teeth and are usually caused by factors like tobacco use and consumption of certain foods and drinks. Good oral hygiene practices and limiting the intake of teeth-staining foods can prevent extrinsic stains. Several teeth whitening treatments, such as ZOOM or bleach trays, are often effective in restoring brightness to teeth affected by extrinsic staining.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth structure and are more challenging to address. They are commonly associated with teeth that are necrotic (dying) or have undergone root canal therapy. Intrinsic staining can also result from small cracks in the teeth, allowing substances like food, beverages, and tobacco to penetrate and stain the tooth from the inside. Additionally, intrinsic stains can be caused by factors such as antibiotics, internal bleeding within the tooth, tooth decay, excessive fluoride exposure, or genetic factors.

While traditional teeth whitening treatments may help reduce some intrinsic staining, the results may not be long-lasting. Patients with intrinsic tooth stains may find veneers to be the most effective solution. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made coverings that adhere to the tooth surface, concealing stains effectively. Veneers last between 10 and 15 years, providing a durable solution compared to teeth whitening treatments.

Why Are Your Teeth Yellow Despite Daily Brushing?

Yellowish teeth are natural, but achieving a brighter smile may be on your wish list. If your teeth still appear yellow even with daily brushing, several factors could be at play. Ineffective brushing habits, frequent consumption of staining foods and drinks, or changes to your enamel might be the culprits.

Ineffective Brushing Technique

While brushing your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes is recommended for good oral hygiene, your brushing technique could be leaving room for plaque buildup and yellow stains. Ensure you reach all tooth surfaces, including inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Brush in circular motions to protect your gums, and consider using a whitening toothpaste with mild abrasives to help remove stains.

Food And Drink Stains

Certain foods and beverages have staining properties that can yellow your teeth if not cleaned promptly. Beware of common stain-causing culprits like coffee, tea, soda, red wine, berries, and tomato sauce. After consuming these items, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth to prevent unnecessary stains.

Enamel Changes

Even with proper daily brushing, thinning enamel can contribute to yellowing teeth over time. While enamel changes are natural, you can help prevent staining by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Conclusion

Still wondering, Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday? While regular brushing is crucial for oral hygiene, yellowing teeth can result from various factors, such as poor brushing habits, dietary choices, and changes in enamel thickness. By addressing these issues and seeking professional dental care, you can effectively manage and prevent yellowing teeth.

Discover the best solutions for maintaining a healthy smile at Prime Family Dentistry, Stone Ridge, VA. Book an online appointment today to address any concerns about yellowing teeth. New patients can call us at (703) 214-9126, while all other callers can reach us at (703) 957-3536.