Does Enamel Decay Cause Yellow Teeth?
Tooth enamel is the hardened surface that comprises the outside of your tooth, and it is what people see when you smile. Naturally, you want as white and bright a smile as possible. However, there are many factors that contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. If you’re experiencing tooth decay, you should know whether this issue can cause yellow teeth, how tooth discoloration may be related to enamel erosion, and what you can do to strengthen your teeth.
How Enamel Decay Impacts Your Teeth
Your enamel is the outer protective layer of your teeth, and tooth erosion is when this layer wears thin.1 Once your enamel wears away, it is irreversible.2 Tooth erosion can occur to people of any age, and up to 45% of adults can experience tooth erosion.2 Additionally, tooth erosion may leave your enamel more susceptible to staining.1
Your dentist may be able to diagnose dental erosion by examining your enamel texture.2 To prevent further progression, it is important to detect tooth erosion as early as possible.3
Enamel, Dentin, and Tooth Color
Underneath the layer of enamel is dentin, one of the innermost layers of your tooth.5 In normal, healthy teeth, dentin can cause your teeth to appear anywhere from grayish-white to yellow.5 Both enamel and dentin together give teeth their color; however, enamel is semi-translucent.5 In fact, one way that your dentist may see the progression of dental erosion is by comparing intra-oral photographs of your teeth to estimate the possible substance loss over time.3
How to Help Prevent Yellow Teeth
Early stages of enamel erosion include tooth discoloration, as well as tooth sensitivity, chipping, and pitting.1 To help prevent yellow teeth, start by addressing the root of the problem. Common causes of tooth erosion include:
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages (such as soft drinks)1
- Brushing too hard (toothbrush abrasion)2
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)5
- GERD/acid reflux2
In addition, tooth erosion can also occur with enamel hypoplasia: this is a genetic disorder where one is born with little or no tooth enamel.1
To fight against enamel erosion caused by an acidic diet, your dentist may recommend an optimized fluoride toothpaste to help with enamel remineralization, which is an effective way to repair and strengthen acid-weakened enamel.2 Your dentist may also use fluoride treatments.2 Foods that are high in calcium and phosphate can also have a protective effect on enamel, including milk and yogurt.2 By strengthening enamel, you can help prevent tooth decay and cavities.5
Help keep your teeth healthy while protecting your enamel with a specialized toothpaste like Pronamel, which can strengthen acid-weakened areas of enamel. Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste can not only protect your teeth against the effects of acid erosion, but also restore your teeth’s natural whiteness.
Source Citations:
- Tooth Erosion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/tooth-erosion. Accessed 4/10/2024.
- Dental Erosion. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dental-erosion/. Accessed 4/10/2024.
- Erosion—diagnosis and risk factors. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2238777/. Accessed 4/10/2024.
- Dentin-Pulp Complex Development. History and Embryology for Dental Hygiene. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/histologyandembryology/chapter/chapter-10-dentin-pulp-complex-development/. Accessed 4/10/2024.
- Tooth Enamel. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24798-tooth-enamel/. Accessed 4/10/2024.
