When you look in the mirror,

you may wonder why are my teeth yellow even though I brush them every day?





Tooth discoloration such as yellow tooth is tooth discolored

by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material.

This can be the cause of great embarrassment

and can make people feel self-conscious about their appearance and hesitant to smile.





Let's explore more details about tooth discoloration.

Tooth discoloration falls into three different categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.

Extrinsic discoloration is that the outer layer of the tooth(the enamel) is

usually superficial and appear yellow and spread out over the entire tooth.

It's likely that the stains are only affecting the tooth enamel, the surface of the tooth.

Intrinsic discoloration is not usually spread out over an entire tooth, rather it's usually small localized and very dark.

These stains are much deeper in the tooth, which makes it more resistant to over-the-counter whitening products.

These stains appear most often as a side effect of some medications. It often appears grayish. 

Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood,

the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy

and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.

Age-related discoloration is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows over time.

The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age,

which allows the dentin to show through and often results in a yellow appearance. 



Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration,

especially when the pulp has been damaged.

In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are born with gray,

amber or purple discolorations.



This tooth discoloration and stains on our teeth are common occurrences

that can happen for a variety of reasons.

Now, we are going to find out several main causes for tooth discoloration

according to three categories: Extrinsic / Intrinsic / Age-related discoloration.

The most common causes of extrinsic stains include coffee, wine  or other drinks or foods and tobacco.

Examples of intrinsic stains include certain medications, trauma or injury to a tooth, tooth decay, too much fluoride, genetics.

The last Age-related discoloration is caused by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors as we've seen before.

In addition to these, tomatoes, pomegranates and other highly pigmented items can stain your teeth.

Sugary desserts such as candy, popsicles and chewing gum can make your teeth yellow or stained too.

A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can welcome bacteria and discolor teeth.

Black tea, sports drinks can do the same if they sit on your teeth throughout the day.

Tooth stains caused by dental health as well.

Forgetting to brush and floss your teeth can cause plaque and food stains to build up.

Certain drugs can discolor teeth in developing children. 

The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline can affect enamel formation in children under the age of 8.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs and antihypertensive medications also can cause teeth discoloration.

Then, what can we do to get rid of stains from our teeth and whiten them?

There are many products and procedures that can whiten your teeth and eliminate or reduce the appearance of stains.

HASS can give you 4 simple ways you can easily follow.

First, Care for your teeth after eating pigmented foods.

If you consume pigmented food or drinks, brush and floss your teeth and tongue as soon as you've finished.

Try to make lifestyle change 

Quit smoking, cut back on drinking tooth staining beverages.

Use a straw to prevent the liquid from coming into contact with your front teeth.

You can also help by rinsing your mouth with water when there is no brushing tool.

Invest in an electric toothbrush and brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste.

Have a regular dental and hygiene appointments.

Visit the dentist at least once a year to check and keep teeth.

It is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and safe.

*Your body and teeth will thank you! XD!