Why Teeth Go Yellow and How to Make Them Pearly

A brilliant smile is often the focal point of conversation. That is, you might not be talking about it, but it’s probably one of the first things you’ll notice. It’s no surprise that many people wish they had whiter teeth, and it’s understandable if dental tarnishing keeps you up at night. Let’s put a stop to the tossing and turning by outlining what could be causing your chronic yellowing. Solutions are ahead, so be sure to keep reading!

It’s Not You, It’s Your…

Some might point to poor oral hygiene as the source of your teeth’s stained hues. While it’s true that less-than-ideal brushing and flossing habits won’t help anyone’s case, it’s not the only possible answer! If you yellow despite your good oral hygiene routine, here’s what might actually be going on:

• Your enamel is thin. Thin enamel makes it easier for stains to settle deeper in your tooth, resulting in more frequent and more stubborn tarnishing.
• Your genetics predispose you to staining. Some people just aren’t born with the “Hollywood smile gene”.
• You have a health condition that’s playing a role. Oddly enough, certain medical conditions make your teeth more prone to yellowing.

Fortunately, whether you need to brush and floss more often or have a more complex staining issue, there’s a cosmetic dental solution that can help!

Surprising Dental Solutions

When whiter teeth are your goal, here are the treatments you should consider:

• Teeth whitening. Both in-office and take-home whitening is a convenient and effective way to eliminate surface-level stains.
• Veneers. A more permanent option for more frequent discoloration. This involves adhering a tooth-like porcelain shell to the front face of your teeth.
• Cosmetic bonding. Sculpting resin over deep stains offers more precision than dental veneers, which is perfect if you only want to correct one or two spots.

There are many ways cosmetic dentistry can transform your teeth into pearly whites, so be sure to consult with your dentist about which treatment will be best for you.

Sustaining Your New Smile

All the “whitening” toothpaste in the world won’t polish up chronic stains – at least not to the dramatic degrees most people want. But it can keep newly whitened, veneered, or bonded teeth nice and shiny for longer. If you weren’t already committed to brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and visiting your dentist for a professional cleaning biannually, now’s a good time to start!

When you go to your consultation, ask about how you can best take care of your pearly whites before and after your treatment. Your dentist will gladly share some tips and tricks.

About the Author

Dr. Jeramiah Paylor earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado and hasn’t stopped learning since! He actively pursues continuing education courses so he can perfect the best techniques for enhancing his patients’ smiles. If you’re ready to start your cosmetic dentistry journey, Dr. Paylor would be honored to help you reach your goals. To contact his office and request an appointment, call 720-776-4900.