5 reasons your teeth are turning yellow

All of us desire teeth that shine bright and white, but we also tend to neglect certain oral hygiene routines that may be the culprit of yellow teeth.

Not only yellow teeth, but also gum diseases, bad breath, tooth decay, inflammation, and teeth discolouration are all risks increased by these habits and other oral health blunders.

From wrong lifestyle choices to foods, there are a lot of things that can turn your teeth yellow. Find all the causes of yellow teeth here.

Ageing

One thing that causes yellow teeth is ageing. This is because as people age, their teeth’s enamel thins out from normal wear and tear, exposing the dentin’s natural yellow colour.

Diseases

Diseases that damage the enamel and dentin, including jaundice, are less known causes of yellow teeth. Certain illnesses or infections during pregnancy might impair the development of the baby’s enamel and result in discolouration. Yellow or discoloured teeth might also appear in head and neck cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Sugary and starchy foods

Along with beverages, some foods, such as apples, potatoes, pasta, berries, tomatoes, etc., can stick to the teeth and leave behind stains that can turn the teeth yellow, brown, green, or orange. Even salads with vinegar dressing have the potential to leave stains. Reduce your intake of these foods or other extremely acidic foods and beverages to prevent them and protect your enamel.

Smoking

While the majority of people are aware that smoking is detrimental to their health, it is equally harmful to your dental health too. Smoking, pan masala, tobacco, etc. include nicotine and tar that leave teeth with stains that are difficult to remove and can cause yellow teeth. In fact, they can also lead to gum diseases and mouth cancers in some cases.

Poor dental hygiene

If you practise poor dental hygiene and don’t frequently brush, floss, or rinse your mouth. Bacteria in plaque can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. However, bigger issues develop if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and turns into tartar. Tartar is a hard yellowish crust, often known as calculus, that develops both below and above the gum line.