Healthy human teeth are typically a slightly yellowish shade of white, but certain factors can leave your pearly whites less pearlescent than you would like them to be. Luckily, your dentist is well-equipped to provide effective restorative and cosmetic treatments to address these issues. Here’s a brief guide to why your teeth may be too yellowish and what you can do to address the issue.
Plaque Accumulation Can Cause Much Consternation
Perhaps the most common reason for teeth to appear unpleasantly yellow is accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky yellowish film of bacteria that can gather food debris and put off a foul odor, and it can also serve as the staging ground harmful germs need to infect your teeth and soft tissues. Luckily, plaque accumulation is pretty easy to address at home by improving your brushing and flossing habits and using antibacterial mouthwash regularly. It’s equally important to see your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
Thin Enamel Can Diminish the Whiteness of Your Smile
Dental enamel is the slightly translucent, bluish-white outer layer of your teeth that serves to protect your smile from damage and infection. However, factors like age, poor chewing habits, and frequent acid exposure can thin out your enamel and allow more of the yellowish dentin beneath to show through, and some people are born with thin enamel to begin with. Thankfully, our dentist can reinforce your enamel with fluoride treatments and address severely thin enamel with porcelain veneers and metal-free restorations.
Smoking Is Terrible for Your Smile’s Appearance
If you’re looking for a great way to gradually deteriorate your gums while leaving unsightly yellow and brown stains on your teeth, look no further than tobacco use. When chewed or smoked, the noxious chemicals in tobacco will exhaust your gums and leave unpleasant deposits on your enamel, which can result in stains both on top of and below the surface of your enamel. Your dentist may be able to address this problem with teeth whitening treatment and periodontal therapy, but the best way to resolve the issue is to quit the habit.
While yellow discoloration in your smile can be quite frustrating, there are ways to address the problem. Consulting with your dentist is the best way to find out how to improve your smile’s health and appearance.
About the Practice
Robison Dental Group provides outstanding oral healthcare to the people of Canton. Led by Dr. J.D. Robison, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a pleasant dental experience in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about your teeth being yellow, contact the office online or dial (734) 453-6320.