Do you notice that you are developing a slight tooth discoloration?
Did you know that seven in ten Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth? It’s no joke that we are in a dental health crisis, especially after the pandemic hit. Yellowing teeth is a small yet impactful problem that causes self-esteem issues in many people.
Keep reading to learn what measures you can take to prevent yellow teeth.
Why You Have Yellow Teeth
Tooth stains and discoloration happen often and for a different number of reasons. Often, discoloration and stains are treatable and preventable. The natural causes of tooth discoloration include aging and injuries.
As you grow older, the top protective layer of your teeth, the enamel, becomes thinner. When your enamel thins down, it becomes easier for your teeth to get stained. Genetics can also give you yellow teeth.
Using tobacco products leads to a lot of problems, like gum and tooth discoloration. Certain beverages like soda and tea can also stain your teeth. As for sweet foods, their sugar content has an acidic nature, which can cause your enamel to erode.
If you use or consume fluoride before the age of 8, you may develop yellow teeth. Yellow teeth are only a symptom of mild fluorosis. If you have severe fluorosis, your teeth are more likely to be brown.
There are more reasons behind tooth discoloration and staining. These are the most common causes of yellowness in teeth. With that said, let’s discuss what you can do to prevent yellowing teeth.
Stop Smoking Cigarettes
The tar in cigarettes can stain your teeth or cause them to take on a yellowish hue. It can also lead to gum infections. If you are a smoker and you notice that your teeth are turning yellowish, it’s best to stop smoking.
Drop the unhealthy habit in the right way. Don’t do it all at once because this can cause intense withdrawal symptoms. It’s better to kick the habit in stages and change your lifestyle bit by bit.
Practice Correct Oral Hygiene
All dentists want you to take care of your teeth. It’s your job to practice preventative measures that will keep your teeth healthy. With that said, learn the habit of proper and continuous oral maintenance.
Brush your teeth twice each day for at least two minutes at a time. You can also floss before or after you brush your teeth. This will remove any plaque between the teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Finally, rinse your mouth with a dentist-recommended mouthwash once each day.
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to create a whitening paste. If you want a simpler mixture, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water and swish for 30 seconds.
Reduce the Consumption of Certain Foods and Drinks
Did you know that too much consumption of tea, coffee, soda, and red wine can cause tooth discoloration? Avoid consuming these beverages often if you don’t want to damage and discolor your teeth. If you must drink the mentioned beverages, try not to do it often.
Everybody knows that sugar is the number one enemy of oral health. As we mentioned, it is acidic and harmful to the teeth. Try to reduce your consumption of sugary foods.
We understand that doing these things can cause a slow yet big lifestyle change. However, you’ll be happier and worry-free when your teeth keep their healthy and pearly glow. If you need someone to help you look after your teeth, consider a family dentist.
Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism is an unconscious movement disorder that makes a person grind their teeth. Sleep bruxism occurs when a person grinds their teeth during sleep. Sleep bruxism is more common in children, adolescents, and young adults than people in older age groups.
Bruxism and sleep bruxism can lead to a variety of dental problems. Long-term bruxism can make the teeth more sensitive and prone to cracking. It can also lead to problems with your temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull.
Tooth discoloration is less serious than the other problems caused by bruxism. Yet, it can still affect a person’s lifestyle and mental health. When you grind your teeth too much, the enamel that protects your teeth wears off.
It becomes easier for the teeth to get stained or become yellow. If you want to avoid the problems that bruxism and/or sleep bruxism brings, kick the habit. Since sleep bruxism often goes away when they get older, kids will stop tooth grinding in due course.
Try Bleach Treatments for Yellowing Teeth
The natural color of our teeth is not the bright, white, and cool color that we often see on tooth product commercials. Rather, healthy teeth look off-white. Can you imagine how unnatural and alien you’d look if your teeth were too white?
However, people with teeth that have a shade closer to a banana rather than the moon need help. Bleaching is one of the fastest ways to keep your teeth from yellowing. You’ll need a dentist to perform this in-office procedure and about a free hour for the entire session.
Note that some teeth can’t get bleached. These often include teeth with crowns or dental implants. If you have a crown or cap, try other alternatives.
Use Over-the-Counter Products
You often see ads for whitening products like toothpaste and strips. These products can help you whiten teeth from the outside. That means they’re great for stains that are on the surface of the tooth.
The common causes of this type of tooth stains include food, beverages, and tobacco. On another note, make sure that the whitening products you get are safe for home use. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the products.
Solve Your Yellowing Teeth Problems
Those are the best ways to solve yellowing teeth and prevent further discoloration. Now, you know what you need to do to get whiter teeth. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide on fixing yellow teeth.
Now that you know why your teeth become yellow and how you can prevent it, learning about the other common problems may interest you. Check out more of our guides to learn all you can today!