Have you noticed that your teeth don’t look as white as they used to? While there are lifestyle factors that may cause teeth to look discolored, unfortunately aging can play a part, too. Let’s explore why teeth may look yellow, brown, or gray and why this tends to happen to everyone to an extent as we get older.

The main culprit for yellow or gray looking teeth as we get older is due to something called dentin. Many people know the protective outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. Under the enamel is the dentin layer, which is naturally yellow in color. As we age, enamel can wear away or erode. When the enamel thins out over the years, it becomes more translucent, and more of the dentin can be seen through the enamel. This gives teeth a more yellow or gray appearance. Enamel can also erode through the years, from things like consumption of acidic foods and rough brushing. If enamel erodes, the dentin can be directly exposed and since it’s yellow in color, your teeth will look yellow. Unfortunately, teeth also start to make more dentin as we age, so it’s a double whammy.

Gum recession is also common with aging and can be responsible for your teeth looking darker. This is when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away. Receding gums can cause the roots to be exposed, which can make teeth look darker and yellow.

While aging is a definite factor for teeth looking discolored (and one we can’t help), there are other reasons teeth can look less than white. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and wine, can stain your enamel over time. Tobacco is also known for causing yellow and stained teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque building up on your enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow.

Some less common reasons your teeth may be discolored? Chemotherapy or certain infections, certain medications (antihistamines, antibiotics, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive medications) and oral trauma can all cause teeth to become discolored.

If your teeth are discolored or yellow and it’s really bothering you, you have some options to brighten your smile. Luckily, surface discoloration caused by stains and plaque can usually be treated with a professional dental cleaning. Then there’s whitening treatments, veneers and bonding. We’ll jump into more detail on those in another article coming soon!