Not necessarily. Yellow teeth can be completely healthy. Natural tooth color varies from person to person, and teeth often become more yellow over time as enamel becomes thinner and the naturally yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.
Yellowing can also be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain foods, medications, and normal aging. However, a noticeable change in the color of one tooth or new discoloration can sometimes indicate decay, trauma, or another dental problem.
At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we can evaluate tooth discoloration to determine whether it is simply cosmetic or related to your oral health. If your teeth are healthy but you'd like a brighter smile, we can also discuss professional teeth-whitening and cosmetic dentistry options.