Why Do Teeth Get Yellow?

Live Science lists a number of examples of medications that could cause discoloration including: “the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline . . . “chlorhexidine, an antiseptic used in prescription-strength mouthwash to treat gingivitis . . . the acne-fighting drug minocycline” and drugs such as “antihistamines and blood pressure medications can sometimes yellow teeth.” Even chemotherapy directed at the neck and head or ingesting too much fluoride can stain your teeth.

Sharecare states: “extrinsic stains refer to those stains on the outer layer of teeth, or on the enamel.” These stains are directly related to diet. Black tea, coffee, red wine, certain fruits all can stain your teeth. It’s mainly because they are high in pigment-creating materials that stick to tooth enamel called chromogens.

LS add that acidic foods and beverages can make matters worse “by eroding tooth enamel and making it easier for chromogens to latch onto the teeth.” Tannin, a compound in tea and wine “also helps chromogens attach to tooth enamel.” Tobacco products also cause these stains as does simply not regularly brushing one’s teeth.

Finally, there are biological reasons why teeth get yellow.  Genes and age are also involved in yellowing teeth. One can be born with teeth that look more yellow. As LS notes, part of it “has to do with the thickness of your enamel, which is semi-translucent. That is, if you have thin enamel, the true color of your naturally yellowish dentin will shine through. Similarly, your enamel thins as you age, making your teeth appear more yellow.”