Why do teeth turn yellow?
There are two main reasons. First, external discolouration: pigments from coffee, tea, red wine and nicotine, as well as deposits, settle on the enamel. Second, age: over the years the enamel becomes thinner, and the naturally more yellowish dentine underneath shows through more.
The most common causes
- Coffee, tea, red wine and cola
- Nicotine (smoking)
- Plaque and tartar
- Age — thinning enamel
- Certain medications and an acidic diet
External discolouration (on the enamel) can be cleaned and bleached; internal (within the tooth itself) needs bleaching or veneers. Which method helps when is explained in the article removing tooth discolouration.
What helps against yellow teeth?
Prevention: good oral hygiene, reducing staining indulgences and a regular professional teeth cleaning — it removes deposits and surface discolouration and makes the teeth look brighter again. Brightening: a professional power bleaching (from CHF 440) brightens the teeth genuinely and visibly. For structural causes, veneers or composite bonding may be the better choice.
Cost
Would you like brighter teeth? You can find more about our teeth whitening in Zurich and the procedure on our pages — or arrange a consultation at our practice at Löwenplatz.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual dental advice. Whether and which treatment is right for you is something we determine in a personal consultation based on your individual situation.
