It is common to feel that your teeth have become more yellow or darker over time. Teeth naturally vary in colour, and they do not need to be bright white to be healthy.
There are several reasons why teeth can look yellow. Some are linked to everyday habits, while others are simply part of the natural ageing process.
Understanding what may be causing the change in colour can help you decide whether there is anything you would like to do about it.
Natural teeth are not usually completely white. The outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, is slightly translucent. Underneath it is dentine, which is naturally more yellow in colour.
As we get older, enamel can become thinner. This can make more of the underlying dentine visible, which may make teeth appear more yellow.
This is a normal change and does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your teeth.
Some foods and drinks can contribute to staining over time.
These can include:
Regular consumption can lead to surface staining, which may make teeth look darker.
Good brushing and regular dental care can help reduce the build up of plaque and surface staining, although they may not remove all discolouration.
Smoking can cause noticeable staining on the teeth. Tobacco can leave deposits on the tooth surface, which may become darker over time.
Stopping smoking has benefits for both your general health and your oral health. If you smoke and are concerned about staining, your dental team can offer advice and support.
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it is not removed through regular brushing, it can harden into tartar.
Tartar can appear yellow or brown and may make your teeth look darker. It cannot usually be removed effectively with a toothbrush at home.
Your dentist therapist or dental hygienist can advise you about removing tartar and keeping your teeth and gums clean.
Not all tooth discolouration is on the surface.
An individual tooth can sometimes become darker following an injury or a problem affecting the inside of the tooth. Certain medications taken while teeth are developing can also affect tooth colour.
This type of discolouration may not respond to conventional teeth whitening in the same way as surface staining.
If one tooth has suddenly changed colour, it is worth speaking to your dentist so they can assess it.
The best way to improve the colour of your teeth depends on why they look yellow and what you would like to change.
For some people, improving their cleaning routine or having professional cleaning may be enough to remove surface staining. For others, cosmetic dental treatment may be an option.
Your dentist can assess your teeth and explain which treatments might be suitable for you.
Professional teeth whitening can lighten the colour of natural teeth. At Smile Society, we offer home whitening options using custom made trays and professional whitening gel.
Treatment takes place gradually at home, following instructions from your dentist.
Some people experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. Your dentist can explain how this can be managed and what to do if you experience any problems.
Whitening does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges or implants. This is important to consider if you have visible dental restorations.
The result can vary from person to person. Your dentist can discuss what may be achievable based on the current colour and condition of your teeth.
Composite bonding may be an option if you would like to change the colour or shape of individual teeth.
A tooth coloured composite material is applied to the tooth and shaped to improve its appearance. It can sometimes be used to address discolouration, small chips, uneven edges or gaps between teeth.
One of the benefits of composite bonding is that it can often be carried out with little or no removal of natural tooth tissue. However, composite can stain, chip or wear over time and may need maintenance or replacement.
Your dentist can assess whether bonding is appropriate for your teeth and explain its benefits and limitations.
Veneers are thin coverings placed over the front surface of a tooth. They may be considered if you want to change the colour, shape or appearance of one or more teeth.
Veneers can sometimes be an option where teeth have significant discolouration that may not respond sufficiently to whitening.
However, veneers are a more involved treatment than whitening or composite bonding. Depending on the type of veneer and the individual tooth, some preparation of the natural tooth may be required.
Veneers are not suitable for everyone. Your dentist will consider the health of your teeth and gums, your bite and what you are hoping to achieve before recommending treatment.
There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. For some people, professional teeth whitening may be enough to achieve the change they are looking for. Others may be interested in composite bonding or veneers, particularly if they also want to change the shape or appearance of their teeth.
In some cases, treatments may be considered together. For example, whitening may be carried out before composite bonding or veneers so that any new restorations can be made to better match the chosen tooth colour.
Your dentist should explain the options available to you, including the potential benefits, limitations, risks and costs. This can help you make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed with treatment.
Whitening toothpastes may help to remove some surface staining. They do not work in the same way as professional teeth whitening and may not change the natural colour of your teeth.
If you are considering a whitening treatment, it is worth discussing this with your dentist. They can assess the cause of the discolouration and explain what may be suitable for you.
It is also worth being cautious about products that promise dramatic or guaranteed results. Claims about whitening should be supported by appropriate evidence, and advertising should not give an unrealistic impression of what a treatment can achieve.
Not necessarily. Healthy teeth can naturally have a slightly yellow or off white appearance. Tooth colour on its own is not a reliable indication of how healthy your teeth are.
However, a change in colour can sometimes be linked to an underlying dental problem, particularly if one tooth has become noticeably darker or the change has happened suddenly.
If you are concerned about a change in colour, your dentist can check your teeth and gums and advise you.
If your teeth have gradually become darker, this may simply be due to natural ageing or staining. However, if one tooth has suddenly changed colour, or you have noticed a change alongside pain, sensitivity or other symptoms, it is worth arranging a dental examination.
Your dentist can investigate the cause and explain whether any treatment may be appropriate.
Smile Society has practices in Caernarfon, Chester, Coppull and Wrexham. If you are unhappy with the colour or appearance of your teeth, we can assess your teeth and gums and discuss the options that may be suitable for you.
Depending on your individual circumstances, this might include professional teeth whitening, composite bonding or veneers. In some cases, improving your oral hygiene or removing surface staining may be all that is needed.
Any treatment would be subject to a suitable assessment, and you should be given enough information about the options, risks, likely outcomes and costs before deciding whether to proceed.
The aim is to help you understand why your teeth may look yellow and what options might be available if you would like to change their appearance.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your appointment today and let our friendly team care for your smile.
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