Maggok Station Dental Clinic_ White Teeth Turned Yellow? [1. Causes of Tooth Discoloration]

Hello, this is Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station.

Have you ever looked in the mirror lately and felt that your teeth are not what they used to be?

“Is it because of coffee?” “Is it because I’m getting older?”

The reason may seem unclear, but one thing is certain: you probably feel, ‘I can’t leave them like this!’

In fact, many people who visit Dia Dental Clinic also come in for consultations with concerns like, “My tooth color isn’t the same as before.”

So today, we’ll be explaining teeth whitening in earnest. Unlike scaling, which simply cleans the surface, teeth whitening is a treatment that chemically breaks down pigments deep inside the teeth to restore their original color.

Now then, let’s start by uncovering why white teeth turn yellow.

From here on, I’ll explain step by step, so please pay close attention.^^

What exactly is teeth whitening?

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Teeth whitening

First of all, “teeth whitening” in English is called

whitening or bleaching.

At first glance, it may seem like a simple procedure that just makes teeth white, but in reality, it is a very precise process.

To briefly explain the principle of whitening treatment,

it breaks down pigment components that have seeped into the teeth and returns them to a natural tone. While scaling mainly removes tartar and nicotine residue from the surface, whitening is a treatment that acts on the deeper structure of the teeth.

Here’s an important point! Just because you get whitening treatment does not mean your teeth will suddenly become as white as rice cakes. Everyone’s natural tooth color is different, and teeth become brighter only within that range; they do not turn into a completely artificial white.^^

Why is tooth color different for each person?

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Tooth structure

Our teeth are made up of two layers. The translucent enamel on the surface of the tooth, and the dentin beneath it. The color of this dentin determines your “natural tooth color.”

Some people are born with ivory-toned teeth, while others are born with slightly grayish-white or yellowish tones. In this way, the inherent color of the dentin shows through the enamel, which determines the overall tooth color.

Why does tooth discoloration happen in the first place?

Discoloration should not simply be dismissed as something that happens “when you get older.” There are many hidden causes, including lifestyle habits, the environment, and medication use. Let’s go over the main causes now.

1. Strongly pigmented foods such as coffee, wine, and curry

Among the foods that enter the mouth, coffee, wine, curry, and other strongly pigmented items gradually cause staining between the teeth. If you often eat or drink these kinds of foods, you may already have experienced this.^^

2. Smoking

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Smoking

When you smoke, nicotine accumulates inside the teeth, causing an overall yellowish tint. And since smoking also has negative effects on overall oral health, there is a clear reason to quit.

3. Age

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Tooth color changes due to aging

Just as skin gradually becomes thinner and loses elasticity, teeth also change as we age. As the enamel becomes thinner and the color of the dentin underneath becomes more visible, teeth can appear more yellow.

4. Use of certain medications

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Tetracycline antibiotics

In particular, if a child in the growth stage takes tetracycline antibiotics for a long period, medication components can seep into the teeth and cause gray-green or gray-brown staining.

And if certain oral disinfectants used in hospitals or dental clinics (such as Hexamedine, Alphachlorhexidine, etc.) are used for a long time, staining can occur.

6. Exposure to high concentrations of fluoride

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Fluoride

If a child is repeatedly exposed to high concentrations of fluoride, the enamel may turn brown or develop spots. For this reason, low-fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children.

7. Pulp necrosis

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Teeth darkened by pulp necrosis

If the pulp tissue is damaged by severe trauma or impact, bleeding and inflammatory components can become deposited like pigments, causing the teeth to darken. In this case, ordinary whitening for vital teeth is not used; whitening specifically for non-vital teeth is needed.

8. Congenital factors

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Genetics

Although rare, some people are born with discolored teeth due to genetic factors, congenital metabolic diseases, or medication taken during pregnancy.

Let’s review the key information on the causes of tooth discoloration!!

1. Coffee and colored drinks consumed frequently

2. Smoking and nicotine

3. Enamel that becomes thinner with age

4. Antibiotic and fluoride exposure during childhood

5. Pulp necrosis caused by trauma

6. Long-term use of certain medical oral disinfectants

7. Congenital factors

Teeth that look noticeably yellow can often not be solved with scaling alone. As explained today, discoloration that occurs deep inside the teeth needs to be approached with professional whitening treatment to be effective.

Maggok-dong Dental Clinic_ Dia Dental Clinic

At Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station, we comprehensively assess oral condition, the cause of discoloration, and the expected shade, and provide customized solutions such as professional whitening, whitening for non-vital teeth, and at-home whitening.

We do not simply say, “We’ll make them white.” For the safest and most natural whitening result, we prioritize an accurate diagnosis.

If you’re having trouble smiling confidently because your teeth have turned yellow or dark, why not come to Seoul Dia Dental Clinic at Magok Station for a consultation? Dia Dental Clinic always does its best to protect a healthy and natural smile.

[ This post was written, in accordance with the Medical Service Act, for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgery and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so the procedure should be decided after sufficient consultation with skilled medical staff. ]

[ Magok Station Dia Dental Clinic Teeth Whitening Series ]

1. Causes of tooth discoloration

2. Whitening for non-vital teeth

3. Professional whitening for vital teeth

4. At-home whitening for vital teeth

5. Questions about teeth whitening

6. Care after teeth whitening treatment

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