Quick Summary
There are a few potential reasons why the root of your tooth may appear yellow:
- Dentin discoloration – The dentin underneath the enamel naturally darkens over time.
- Root canal treatment – Materials used to fill the root canal can discolor over time.
- Root resorption – Loss of root structure can expose yellowish dentin.
- Excess gum recession – Receding gums can expose more of the yellowish root surface.
- Medications – Some drugs like tetracycline can cause intrinsic tooth discoloration.
While a yellowish root is usually harmless, a severely discolored tooth may indicate pulpal damage and the need for a root canal. Regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and avoidance of staining foods/drinks can help maintain a whiter tooth root appearance.
What Is Tooth Root Discoloration?
The roots of our teeth are normally concealed underneath the gums and do not show. However, with age, gum recession can occur which exposes more of the tooth root. When the root becomes visible, it may display a yellow, brownish, or greyish discoloration which can detract from your smile.
Unlike the crown portion of the tooth which is protected by enamel, the root is covered with a bonelike material known as cementum. Underneath the cementum lies the dentin tissue. Dentin naturally darkens over time which causes the root to appear more yellow as we get older.
While a yellowish root may seem unsightly, it is usually a harmless and natural part of the aging process. However, in some cases, severely discolored roots may indicate underlying problems that need dental attention. Understanding the various causes of tooth root discoloration can help you determine when treatment may be needed.
Main Causes of Tooth Root Discoloration
Dentin Discoloration
Dentin is the calcified, bonelike tissue that makes up the bulk of each tooth’s structure underneath the outer enamel layer. With aging, the dentin tissue slowly darkens, causing the roots to appear more yellow or brownish when exposed. This natural dentin darkening is the most common reason for tooth root discoloration.
Over time, microscopic pores in the dentin fill up with secondary mineral deposits that cause a gradual change in color. The dentin also picks up stains from food, drinks, and medications more readily than enamel. As more dentin is exposed from gum recession, those stains become increasingly visible in the root area.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treated teeth are prone to discoloration over time. The root canal filling materials used to seal the inner tooth following pulp removal can break down chemically and cause staining.
Common root canal filling materials like gutta percha or zinc oxide-eugenol cements tend to yellow with age. Silver alloy or titanium posts placed in the canal when crowning the tooth after a root canal can also oxidize and turn dark.
Discoloration from root canal fillings may start out slowly but increase markedly after 5-10 years. The tooth crown color is usually not affected, so you may notice a distinct darkening of just the root portion.
Root Resorption
Root resorption occurs when the cementum and dentin of the root are broken down due to damage. This leads to loss of root structure and a shortening of the overall tooth length.
Injury due to trauma, extensive tooth grinding, orthodontic pressure, or chronic inflammation can trigger inflammatory root resorption. As the cementum layer wears away, the softer and yellower dentin underneath becomes exposed. This causes the tooth root to look darkened and yellowed at the site of resorption.
Gum Recession
Gum recession involves a gradual shrinking back of the gums from around the teeth. This exposes more of the tooth root which is normally concealed underneath the gumline.
In many people, the roots have an intrinsic yellowish or brownish hue due to natural dentin discoloration. As more of this root surface becomes uncovered, the teeth may appear yellower. Severe gum recession can lead to 2-3 millimeters or more of the root being visible.
Gum disease, overly zealous brushing, and bone loss are common causes of receding gums. The exposed root surfaces also become more prone to extrinsic stains from smoking, foods, and beverages.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs are known to cause blue, grey, brown, or yellow staining of the tooth structure. Tetracycline antibiotics, in particular, can cause intrinsic discoloration of both the tooth crown and root.
Minocycline, doxycycline, and other tetracyclines become incorporated into developing teeth and permanently stain the dentin. The resulting grey, yellowish, or brownish discoloration is difficult to remove with tooth whitening procedures.
Other drugs like antihistamines, antimalarials, and antipsychotics may also contribute to subtle tooth discoloration over time. Discuss any tooth staining concerns with your dentist and doctor.
When To Seek Treatment
In most cases, the yellowing or darkening of exposed tooth roots is a benign part of the aging process that requires no treatment beyond maintaining good oral hygiene. Gentle brushing and flossing helps remove surface stains.
However, in some situations, severely discolored roots may be a red flag for underlying problems needing dental attention:
- The root darkening occurs suddenly versus gradually over time.
- Tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling is also present.
- You have a history of trauma to the tooth.
- You notice an unusual taste coming from the discolored tooth.
- The tooth feels loose, changes color to grey/black, or shows signs of infection.
Severe root discoloration accompanied by other worrisome symptoms may indicate:
- Pulp inflammation or nerve damage – The tooth pulp may be dying or necrotic.
- Abscess – Infection is present at the root tip.
- Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs have formed on the roots.
- Dead tooth – The tooth has lost vitality and is essentially “dead”.
These conditions often require root canal treatment or tooth extraction to prevent further complications. Consult your dentist promptly about severely discolored roots accompanied by pain or other concerning signs.
Preventing Tooth Root Discoloration
While natural dentin darkening is unavoidable with age, you can help minimize additional root staining and slow gum recession:
- Brush and floss regularly – Proper oral hygiene removes plaque that can irritate gums and cause them to recede.
- Get regular cleanings – Professional cleanings remove stains and tartar that brushing may miss.
- Quit smoking – Smoking is a major contributor to root discoloration and gum recession.
- Control acidic drinks – Beverages like coffee, soda, and wine promote enamel erosion that can lead to root exposure.
- Prevent tooth grinding – Clenching and grinding wears down tooth structure and can speed up root exposure.
- Use mouthguards and nightguards – These protect against trauma that can damage tooth roots.
Besides good oral care, you can help mask minor root discoloration cosmetically with tooth whitening. Over-the-counter and professional whitening treatments may lighten stained or yellowed parts of exposed roots. However, they are less effective on root surfaces than crowns due to the lack of enamel.
When Root Discoloration May Require Treatment
Mild to moderate yellowing or browning of exposed tooth roots due to aging is generally not a concern. However, severely discolored roots accompanied by other symptoms may require dental treatment:
| Root Discoloration Problem | Potential Treatment |
| Sudden darkening along with pain or swelling | Root canal or extraction to address dying/inflamed pulp |
| Grey, black, or reddish discoloration | Root canal or extraction if tooth pulp is necrotic or infected |
| Staining along gumline and between teeth | Professional cleaning to remove plaque accumulation causing gingivitis |
| Rapid gum recession around single tooth | Gum grafting surgery to protect exposed roots |
| Discoloration near site of root resorption | Endodontic surgery to remove inflamed pulp tissue |
Restorative options like dental veneers, crown lengthening, or root coverage procedures may also help mask or treat severely discolored roots with major cosmetic concerns.
Home Remedies For Yellowed Tooth Roots
Over-the-counter whitening pastes and rinses can lighten mild yellowish discoloration on exposed tooth roots. Consider trying these natural home remedies:
- Baking soda – Form a thick paste with water and rub on roots 2-3 times per week.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Swish diluted peroxide around affected roots daily for 30-60 seconds.
- Coconut oil – Swish and pull oil between teeth for 10-20 minutes to lift stains.
- Apple cider vinegar – Rub on roots with cotton ball up to twice weekly.
- Lemon juice – Use fresh juice to rub on roots no more than once weekly.
- Strawberries – Mash berries and apply to teeth for 5 minutes weekly.
These simple home treatments may provide minor brightening but likely will not completely remove deeper intrinsic discoloration. Avoid overdoing acidic remedies that could erode enamel. See your dentist about professional options for stubborn root staining.
When To See A Dentist
Schedule an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist if you notice:
- Sudden darkening of one or more tooth roots
- Increasing gum recession and root exposure
- Root sensitivity, pain, orsymptoms of infection
- Spreading grey, black, or reddish discoloration
- Loose teeth or other signs of advanced gum disease
At your dental visit, explain any changes you’ve observed in your tooth roots. After examining your mouth, your dentist can determine whether:
- The root discoloration is benign and requires no treatment.
- The darkening could indicate an underlying dental issue needing attention.
- Cosmetic treatment is advisable to cover up severely discolored roots.
Based on the suspected cause, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment steps. For mild cases, improving your oral hygiene practices or trying over-the-counter whiteners may be sufficient.
However, severe root staining accompanied by infection, tooth damage, or gum disease will need professional treatment. This may involve deep dental cleanings, antibiotic therapy, root planing, gum grafts, fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions if the tooth cannot be saved.
Root Discoloration In Children
Yellowish or brownish discoloration of primary (baby) teeth roots is rare in children. But certain factors can occasionally cause staining:
- Excess fluoride – Fluorosis stains from too much fluoride intake.
- Infection – An abscess or cyst can discolor roots.
- Medications – Tetracycline taken during tooth formation.
- Trauma – A knocked-out or displaced tooth can darken.
- Resorption – Normal shedding process of baby teeth.
Discolored primary tooth roots typically do not require treatment since the teeth will fall out. But the permanent teeth should be monitored for any corresponding discoloration emerging through the gums as they erupt.
Pediatric dentists can determine if antibiotics, pulpotomy, or early extraction are needed to address infected primary teeth that may be discolored. Any underlying causes will also need to be addressed before the permanent teeth erupt.
Tooth Root Discoloration In Adults
The main causes of tooth root darkening in adults include:
- Gum recession – Gradually exposes more yellow dentin.
- Root canal treatment – Fillings and posts can discolor.
- Dentin darkening – Natural aging process.
- Tetracycline staining – Antibiotics taken during youth.
- Cervical caries – Cavities where gums meet teeth.
- Restorations – Leaking fillings allow decay underneath.
Adults may first notice root darkening in their 40s or 50s as gums start to recede. The gradual yellowing is rarely cause for concern beyond cosmetics. Over-the-counter or dentist-prescribed whitening gels can lighten mild discoloration.
However, sudden root discoloration or pain warrants an urgent dental exam. It may signal an underlying crack, abscess, or dying pulp needing root canal therapy. Prompt treatment helps prevent tooth loss.
Tooth Root Discoloration In The Elderly
Elderly individuals are at high risk for tooth root discoloration since gum recession progresses with age. Reasons the roots of teeth often yellow with advanced age include:
- Long-term acid erosion thins and recedes gums.
- Periodontal disease causes chronic gum inflammation.
- Reduced saliva flow makes roots prone to decay.
- Root surfaces roughen and pick up more stains.
- Exposed root dentin gradually darkens.
- Previous root canals and restorations may discolor.
The elderly often take multiple meds that reduce saliva and have tooth-staining side effects. Good at-home care and regular dental cleanings can help control root decay and staining. Dentists may recommend prescription fluoride toothpaste or antimicrobial rinses to protect exposed roots.
Conclusion
Yellowish or darkened tooth roots are a common occurrence with aging. While usually harmless, severely discolored roots should be evaluated by your dentist to check for underlying issues.
Try the home remedies and preventive tips provided to help brighten and maintain your natural root color. But see your dentist promptly for evaluation and treatment if your tooth roots begin to show signs of infection, damage, or progressive darkening.
With diligent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, root discoloration can be controlled. And minor cosmetic stains often respond well to over-the-counter or prescription whitening products.
Keeping your gums healthy and avoiding activities that increase root exposure are key to preventing extensive tooth root staining as you get older. With proper care, your tooth roots can stay strong, healthy and bright for many years.