“Why are my teeth turning yellow even though I brush daily?”

This is one of the most common questions we hear at Ledismile Dental Clinic. And no — coffee and cigarettes are not always the main culprits. Many patients maintain excellent oral hygiene and still feel disappointed when they notice their smile losing its brightness.

The truth is deeper. Tooth color is influenced by biological, environmental, and genetic factors — not just hygiene habits.

🦷 1. Yellowing Happens Beneath the Surface

Teeth are not naturally pure white. The outer layer (enamel) is semi-translucent, while the inner layer (dentin) has a naturally yellow tone. When enamel becomes thinner over time, the inner color becomes more visible — even with perfect brushing.

🧬 2. Genetics: What You Inherit

Some people are born with thinner enamel or naturally darker dentin. This explains why two individuals with identical habits can have completely different tooth shades. It’s not your fault — it’s your DNA.

💊 3. Medications You Don’t Think About

Certain medications can affect tooth color directly or indirectly:

• Antihistamines (dry mouth → more staining)

• Some blood pressure medications

• Antibiotics such as tetracycline (especially during childhood)

😬 4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. This pressure:

• Wears down enamel

• Creates micro-cracks

• Exposes yellow dentin

Result? Teeth appear darker over time.

🥦 5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of calcium or vitamin C can weaken tooth structure and reduce resistance to staining. Nutrition affects not only your body — but also your smile.

🌍 6. Environmental Factors

Water high in minerals, excessive fluoride exposure during development, or certain industrial substances may alter tooth color — often unnoticed for years.

🧪 7. Saliva pH Balance

When the mouth remains acidic (due to diet, reflux, or stress), enamel becomes more porous and more susceptible to discoloration. A small factor with a big impact.

✨ What Can You Do?

Professional whitening is not always the only solution. At Ledismile, we perform a personalized assessment to determine whether discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic and recommend:

• Professional dental cleaning

• Whitening treatments

• Enamel strengthening protocols

• Veneers when indicated

📍 Book your consultation in Tirana and discover the real cause behind your tooth discoloration.