Help! My Teeth are Yellow

Tooth and gum health is the primary focus of dentists everywhere. That’s certainly true here at First Impression Dental in Fresno, California, where we use the latest technology and a meticulous, patient-first approach to preserving your oral health.

Dr. Brett Lent and our entire team are also committed to using our expertise and state-of-the-art technology to create the cosmetically pleasing smile you deserve. And we’re passionate about getting our work done in a safe and welcoming, family-friendly environment that’s focused on your comfort.

Learn what Dr. Lent and our First Impression Dental team can do to improve the appearance of yellowed and discolored teeth.

Why are my teeth yellow?

Many factors, including poor dental hygiene, can affect the color of your teeth. We generally divide the cause into two categories: those that come from the outside (extrinsic) versus those that come from the inside (intrinsic).

Extrinsic stains

These stains are caused by substances that discolor the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) and are often related to dark-colored foods and beverages, including:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Chocolate
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Highly pigmented fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, cherries, and beets

Acidic foods and beverages, including sugary soft drinks, can also create problems because they erode and roughen enamel, which makes it easier for stains to stick to the tooth surface.

Intrinsic stains

Intrinsic reasons for tooth discoloration may include:

• Medications, including certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure medicines
• Damage from trauma, such as a fall that disrupts enamel formation in young children
• Medical treatment, such as head and neck radiation or chemotherapy
• Dental fillings fashioned from metal amalgam, especially those containing silver sulfide

Aging also causes your teeth to appear more yellow because enamel naturally wears away and thins as you age, which exposes the yellowish cast of the underlying tooth layer (dentin). 

Can’t I just brush the yellow away?

Brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams can do much to help keep your teeth white and bright and are vital to maintaining your oral health. Unfortunately, good dental hygiene can’t overcome all the issues that lead to tooth discoloration.

What about over-the-counter whitening products?

Over-the-counter products that promise to whiten and brighten your teeth don’t offer the same cosmetic results as professional-grade whitening treatments. They also do nothing for intrinsic stains and may even highlight the discoloration caused by fillings and medications because these stains originate within the tooth rather than at the surface layer.

How does a dentist fix my discolored teeth?

We offer many services here at First Impression Dental that can eliminate tooth discoloration, including:

• Professional cleaning to remove surface buildup
• In-office professional-grade teeth whitening
• Practical tips for maintaining your bright smile between checkups
• Bleaching procedure using high-grade products and customized trays for home use
• Dental veneers to eliminate the appearance of intrinsic stains and discoloration

Regardless of what’s affecting your smile, we are careful to design whitening strategies to whiten your teeth here at First Impression Dental.  

For superior dental care designed to meet your needs, schedule a visit at First Impression Dental today.