Why does the color of the teeth turn yellow?

Whereas, celebrities may wear pearly white teeth. But this shouldn't be too surprising. Many things can affect the color of your teeth and turn them a frightening yellow, which can make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance and hesitate to smile.

Most causes of tooth discoloration fall into two main categories: external and intrinsic stains. Yellowing can also be caused by a wide range of health factors, from the use of medications to inadequate brushing of the teeth.

external spots

External stains affect the surface of the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of teeth. Although dental coatings can be stained easily, these stains can be removed or corrected.

 "The number one cause of yellowing teeth is lifestyle." Smoking, drinking coffee and tea, and chewing tobacco are the worst offenders.

Tar and nicotine in tobacco are chemicals that can cause yellow spots on the surface of the teeth, in people who smoke or chew.

As a general rule, any food or drink that can contaminate clothing can also stain your teeth. So, this is why dark-colored foods and drinks, including red wine, cola, chocolate, and dark sauces — such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, spaghetti sauce and curry — can discolor teeth. In addition, some fruits and vegetables — such as grapes, blueberries, cherries, beets and pomegranates — have the potential to discolor teeth. These substances are high in chromates, the pigment-producing substances that can stick to tooth enamel. Popsicles and candies are other foods that are likely to stain teeth.

Acidic foods and drinks can encourage staining by eroding tooth enamel and making it easier for dyes to stain the teeth. Tannin, a bitter compound found in wine and tea, also helps stick chromosomes to tooth enamel, eventually staining them. But there's good news for tea drinkers: A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that adding milk to tea reduces its chances of staining teeth because the proteins in milk can bind to tannin.

Liquid forms of iron supplements can stain teeth, but there are several ways to prevent or remove these stains.

Not taking enough care of the teeth, such as improper brushing and flossing, and not doing regular dental cleanings can prevent the removal of stain-producing substances and lead to plaque buildup on the teeth, resulting in discoloration.