Why Are My Teeth Yellowing Even After Brushing?

Most people agree that a bright, healthy smile boosts confidence and leaves a lasting impression. Still, many wonder why their teeth appear yellow even with consistent brushing. We have patients from Bryn Mawr at Dillon Family Dentistry frequently asking us about tooth discoloration that remains consistent and ways to restore a bright smile. Understanding why teeth become discolored and knowing how to address those issues is an important part of ensuring long-lasting results from any tooth-whitening methods in Bryn Mawr.

Common Causes of Yellow Teeth

Teeth can lose their natural white color over time, even if they are brushed properly, for a number of reasons: 

1. Natural Aging Process

As people age, they will gradually lose the outer layer of enamel and may start seeing more yellowish dentin beneath. This is a natural process that makes teeth more susceptible to staining, regardless of how well they take care of their teeth.

2. Foods and Beverages

People who regularly consume coffee, tea, red wine, dark-colored soft drinks, or other highly pigmented foods and beverages may notice staining, as the acids and pigments leave residue on the teeth that regular brushing cannot fully remove.

3. Tobacco Use

Smoking and/or chewing tobacco is one of the biggest causes of yellow teeth; nicotine and tar leave behind stains that can build up over time and diminish the brightness of your smile.

4. Medication Use

Some antibiotics, antihistamines, and other medications can cause staining as a side effect, especially during the developmental stages of the teeth.

5. Bad Oral Care Habits

Brushing irregularly, failing to floss or using non-fluoride toothpaste can lead to excess accumulation of plaque/tartar, both of which can cause teeth to look yellow or dull.

6. Genetics

Some individuals may have thinner enamel and/or more yellowish dentin to begin with, making them more likely to develop yellow teeth, regardless of their level of oral hygiene.

How to Remove Yellow Teeth

If you are having difficulty with yellow teeth in Bryn Mawr, the help of a dental provider may be your best option. While over-the-counter products can’t match the results of professional cosmetic whitening, they can still brighten your teeth safely, effectively, and for a longer duration than many people expect. Here’s what Dillon Family Dentistry can offer you:

1. Personalised Trays For At-Home Whitening

We create custom-made trays for each individual patient, based on their dental impressions, that are filled with our professional-strength whitening gel. Utilising these trays on a daily or overnight basis over the course of a few weeks will help to eliminate yellowing from your teeth and keep your smile bright in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

2. In-Office Whitening Treatment

Our In-Office whitening treatments will provide quicker results due to applying a special whitening gel through monitored cycles. In contrast to some traditional methods, our dental practice does not employ the use of lights or lasers in these procedures, as studies indicate these light sources do not enhance effectiveness and may create increased sensitivity.

3. Maintenance and Prevention of Stains

Once your teeth have become as bright as you would like them to be, routine touch-ups performed via your at-home whitening trays combined with appropriate hygiene practices will help you avoid new stains on your teeth in Bryn Mawr, PA. Reducing the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products will help promote the longevity of your results.

4. Treatment Options for Stained Teeth

For more difficult-to-remove stains, the team at our dental office may suggest a combination of whitening and other cosmetic dental services. Each treatment plan is custom-developed for your individual needs with the intention of improving both the overall health and the aesthetic condition of your teeth.

Conclusion

There are multiple reasons why a person’s teeth may discolor beyond just inadequate brushing and flossing. The other reasons include: Diets that contain lots of compounds that can stain your teeth.; genetics, tobacco use, certain medications, and age. The first step to achieving an attractive smile is to identify what you can control and take steps to address it. For those who wish to achieve and maintain a beautiful white smile through a combination of both professional tooth whitening treatments and an individualized plan of care, contact our office, Dillon Family Dentistry, in Bryn Mawr. Success is dependent upon working together, so we’ll work with you to find the solution that fits your individual needs!

FAQs

1. Can yellow teeth become white again in Bryn Mawr?

Professional teeth whitening in Bryn Mawr can give yellow teeth back their white shine. At Dillon Family Dentistry, we offer both in-office whitening treatment and custom-made at-home trays to safely whiten stained teeth and get you back to a brighter smile.

2. Are yellow teeth permanent?

Many patients who visit our dental office in Bryn Mawr experience improvement through professional teeth whitening. However, in those cases caused by genetics or aging, additional cosmetic dental procedures may be required.

3. Why are my teeth so yellow even though I brush?

Brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent yellowing, but yellowing may still occur even if you are brushing regularly due to the following reasons: enamel thinning, genetics, diet, tobacco use, and medications. The team at our Bryn Mawr Family Dentistry can determine what is causing the yellowing of your teeth and provide you with the best solution for whitening your teeth accordingly.

4. At what age do teeth start yellowing?

As enamel naturally wears away in early adulthood, teeth will usually begin to develop a yellowish tint. Often, there are factors in one’s lifestyle and eating habits that contribute to how quickly teeth lose their brightness. Therefore, it is vital to have routine dental care performed to help preserve a bright smile.

5. How long until yellow teeth become white with whitening treatment?

The duration of treatment for different teeth whitening methods varies significantly. A patient can expect an in-office whitening treatment to achieve desired whiteness in just one visit while a custom-made whitening tray for home use will give the patient noticeable improvement in their tooth color over a period of weeks.