Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Celebrities and fashion models might always seem to have perfect pearly white teeth (photoshop helps!). For the rest of us, it isn’t always that easy. There are many causes for yellow teeth, but they fall into two broad categories: extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.

Extrinsic stains are the ones that we find on enamel, the hard protective surface on the visible areas of the teeth. These stain are mostly due to diet, such as heavy consumption of coffees, colas, sweets, and red wine.

Additionally, smoking and chewing tobacco are well-known culprits behind extrinsic stains, as is poor dental hygiene, which allows dental plaque to accumulate on the teeth.

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth, when various factors alter the light-transmitting properties of the enamel and the underlying dentin.

Numerous medications can cause intrinsic stains. If children take the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline while their teeth are still developing (before the age of 8), their teeth may turn brownish-yellow.

Aside from extrinsic and intrinsic stains, two other factors can contribute to yellow teeth: genetics and aging.

Similar to your complexion or the color of your eyes, you may simply be born with teeth that appear more yellow (or more white) than other people’s teeth. Part of this has to do with the thickness of your enamel, which is semi-translucent. That is, if you have thin enamel, the true color of your naturally yellowish dentin will shine through.

Similarly, your enamel thins as you age, making your teeth appear more yellow.