Have your pearly whites taken on a yellow tint? Are you concerned about this color on your teeth? You are not alone. Many Roseville residents want a bright smile, but their yellow teeth get in the way. Why do teeth turn yellow, and how can you prevent this?

Your teeth can turn from white to yellow for two main reasons, and the reasons are related. The first one is well-known: certain foods and drinks can directly stain your teeth. Unfortunately, the worst culprits are also acidic and can wear down the white enamel coating on your teeth.

Cola and other soft drinks, for example, are notorious for staining teeth. They are also highly acidic. In time, their acids can change the color of your teeth by destroying their protective outer layer. This less-common reason for yellow teeth is much more damaging to your dental health.

At its thickest point, tooth enamel is a natural shade of white. As it wears down, it develops translucent qualities that start to reveal the next tooth layer called dentin. This layer has a yellow tone that is darker than the enamel that covers it. The thinner the enamel becomes, the more yellow your teeth will look. 

Most elderly people have yellow teeth for this reason. Age and time increase the opportunities for enamel to wear down, revealing the yellow dentin beneath the enamel. The treatment for worn-down enamel depends on the dental problem. A dentist can use tooth bonding to protect the teeth and improve their appearance. For significant enamel loss, he or she may recommend a dental crown.

What foods and drinks are most likely to turn your teeth yellow? Cola, coffee, red wine, black tea, brightly-colored fruits, fruit juices, curries and sugary sweets are the worst offenders. They throw a “double whammy” because they can stain your teeth and destroy the enamel.

While some of these foods and drinks are unhealthy and should be avoided anyway, others offer substantial health benefits. It is not necessary to eliminate the healthy items on this list, but there are two simple things you can do to minimize their damage to your teeth.

First, drink some water after you finish a meal or drink. Swirl the water around in your mouth before you swallow it. This removes the acids and staining elements to help your teeth stay white.

Second, try to make more saliva in your mouth. Not only will it help you digest your food, but it will also keep your teeth strong. Saliva contains minerals and other healthy compounds that protect tooth enamel and help prevent decay.

Once you know what causes your teeth to turn yellow, these simple after-meal rituals can help you keep your pearly whites naturally white. If your teeth are more yellow than you like, consider professional teeth whitening. For worn enamel, consider restorative dental work. In no time at all, a Roseville dentist can give you the bright, white smile you thought you lost.