Yellow teeth: description
Yellow teeth and other tooth discolorations are a serious cosmetic problem for many people. The discoloration can affect not only living teeth, but can also occur on dead and artificial teeth, as well as plastic fillings. There are two groups of tooth discolorations:
- Tooth discoloration inside the tooth (intrinsic):So-called intrinsic tooth discolorations are discolorations inside the tooth bone or enamel. They occur either during tooth development (e.g. due to metabolic diseases, trauma) or after the teeth have erupted, for example due to root filling materials or natural aging processes.
- Tooth discoloration caused by tooth buildup (extrinsic): Extrinsic tooth discoloration is caused by color particles (chromogens) that are deposited either directly on the tooth surface or in the dental epithelium (pellicle = thin protective coating of the teeth, consisting mainly of saliva components). They originate, for example, from food and stimulants (red wine, coffee, tobacco, curry, berries, etc.), medications or mouth rinses (e.g. with chlorhexidine).
Yellow teeth: causes and possible diseases
The most common causes of yellow teeth include:
- Predisposition: Some people naturally have slightly yellower teeth than others.
- Smoking: Cigarettes & Co. damage the body in many ways. Among other things, tobacco causes tooth discoloration and bad breath and increases the risk of caries and tumors in the mouth (such as salivary gland cancer).
- Coffee, tea, red wine & co.: The frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and other stimulants and foods leaves color particles on the tooth surface. Over time, some of these particles penetrate the tooth enamel – resulting in brownish-yellow teeth.
- Poor or incorrect oral hygiene: If teeth are brushed irregularly or sloppily, plaque and tartar will form over time – other possible reasons for yellow teeth and other tooth discoloration.
- Medications: Some medications can also cause yellow teeth and other tooth discoloration. For example, tetracyclines given during tooth development can cause irreversible brown-yellow teeth. These antibiotics should therefore not be given to pregnant women or children up to the age of eight. Caution is also advised with mouth rinses containing the antibacterial agent chlorhexidine – it causes unsightly discoloration of teeth and restorations (e.g. plastic fillings).
Yellow teeth: When should you see a doctor?
Yellow teeth: What does the doctor do?
If yellow teeth are due to intrinsic tooth discoloration, bleaching the teeth provides a remedy. The dentist can perform the bleaching process in the practice (office bleaching) or give the patient a custom-fit plastic tray for the teeth, the bleaching agent and precise application instructions to take home (home bleaching).
Discolored dentures (such as plastic fillings) cannot be whitened by bleaching. They may need to be replaced.
If extrinsic tooth discoloration is responsible for yellow teeth, only professional dental cleaning (PZR) can help.
Another way to “eliminate” yellow teeth and other tooth discoloration is to cover them with veneers or a crown.
Yellow teeth: What you can do yourself
Whitening toothpastes can remove extrinsic tooth discoloration, such as discoloration caused by too much coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. The whitening toothpastes usually contain titanium oxide. The white pigment remains on the tooth surface – the teeth look brighter for a short time.
Anyone wishing to use such a whitening toothpaste should seek advice from a dentist. This is because some products strongly abrade the enamel (high abrasive effect) and should therefore not be used daily.
In the case of products with splint systems, there is also the fact that the universal splints supplied for the teeth can fit poorly. The possible consequences are irritation of the soft tissue and inflammation. In addition, the whitening result is often unsatisfactory.
To avoid yellow teeth and other tooth discoloration from the outset, you should pay attention to conscientious oral hygiene and have regular professional tooth cleaning (PZR) performed in the dental office. Avoiding tobacco and moderation in the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, etc. also help to prevent yellow teeth from developing in the first place.
