How Do the Teeth Become Yellowish?

Having white teeth is a highly regarded quality. It signifies health, cleanliness, and draws more people, as it enhances a person’s charm. It is, therefore, not surprising that a lot of people nowadays are opting for fast and reliable teeth whitening methods to achieve such standard. To avoid yellowed or discolored teeth, however, it is important to understand what cause them.

First of all, yellow teeth does not automatically equate to poor oral hygiene, as most of us were led to believe as kids. Genes and aging play a significant role, too. Teeth whiteness is basically determined by the thickness of one’s enamel, which serves as the protective coating of the yellowish dentin. Some people are born with enamels that are relatively thicker than others’, so they tend to have whiter teeth. In addition, enamel erodes as we age, or as a result of poor oral care. With thinner enamels, the yellowish dentin shows through, giving the teeth a discolored appearance.

Yet another well-known reason is food stain. This primarily comes from dark-colored food and beverages with high chromogen content, which are pigmented substances that stick to teeth enamels. These foods’ acidic properties also catalyze the reduction of the smooth-textured enamel, making it easier for the chromogens to latch on to the dentin’s surface. Tartar from food particles can also create a yellowish film on the enamel. If you undergo teeth whitening treatments, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene for longer lasting effects.