Are You Dealing with Yellow Teeth? 3 Possible Reasons
Some people assume that having yellow teeth is simply a part of life. Others take advantage of teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options. We can help with either option but we also believe it is important to let our patients know why their teeth may be turning yellow. Read on to learn more about them and then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry.
- It may simply be a sign of your age
- It may be your genetics
- There may be chemicals contributing to the yellowing of your teeth
Like it or not, as we age our teeth become less white and can become more yellow. This is due to the enamel on our teeth wearing thing, which is a natural part of the aging process. The inner layer of the teeth, known as dentin, is darker than the rest of your teeth. When the enamel, which is the top, thin layer, beings to wear away then the darker dentin shows through. You can’t necessarily prevent this entirely but you can slow down enamel thinning by avoiding foods that are sugary or acidic and by treating acid reflux if you have it.
Many people have no idea that if their teeth yellow more than their peers or more quickly than their peers, that this could be a result of their genetics. Just like your parents and their ancestors can have an impact on the type of hair you have, the color of your skin, and the color of your eyes, they can also have an impact on the color of your teeth. For the most part, this is once again related to enamel. Some people have thinner enamel than others, and that tends to be hereditary.
There are a number of chemicals that can affect the color of a person’s teeth. For example, some childhood medications have chemicals that can damage the dentin your teeth. A common example is a type of antibiotic known as Tetracycline. It is often used to treat allergies and asthma, and can be effective at that but it can also yellow or discolor your teeth.
The good news is that kids these days are not as likely to have this issue. Why? Because the issue is now known and doctors will often hold off on prescribing this particular drug until a child is ten or so. However, if you took this drug, or underwent chemotherapy, then your teeth may have yellowed.
The vast majority of the time, yellowing teeth is not the sign of a dangerous medical condition. However, it is not generally that pleasing. Many of our patients want to have whiter, prettier teeth and we can help with that. To learn more, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a dentist experienced in teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options.
