Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror while smiling and asked why are my teeth yellow? Many of us know how disheartening that can be and how much it can affect our confidence. Good dental habits and care from an experienced dentist, including treatments like teeth whitening, are fundamental to keeping your teeth healthy and white.
There are many factors that contribute to teeth yellowing, but the good thing is that most of them don’t point to a serious medical issue. Still, it is important to learn what these factors are so we can avoid them and give our teeth the best possible care. Read on to find out what causes teeth and how you can avoid them.
What Can Cause Yellow Teeth?
There are different reasons for tooth discoloration, but the main one is enamel thinning. Enamel is the thin protective layer that covers the crown or the part of our teeth visible outside of the gums. It is the hardest tissue in our whole body, and it is what gives our teeth a shiny white color. When this layer thins, the dentin is exposed, and so is its yellowish color. Enamel thinning is the very root of yellow teeth.
Anything from an unhealthy diet, aging, and smoking to different illnesses and medications could cause your enamel to thin and your teeth to yellow.
Unhealthy Diet
Different dark sauces and curries, as well as coffee, can lead to teeth yellowing if consumed too much. They can lead to discoloration because they contain tannins, molecules famous for their blemishing properties. Tannins stick to our teeth and tarnish and thin out enamel.
Different sodas and fizzy drinks can cause discoloration as well. Apart from being unhealthy for our teeth because of their high levels of sugar, they also cause stains on the enamel, making it spotty and yellowish.
Smoking
Tobacco is bad for our oral hygiene in every way. It can cause dental diseases and even cancer, whether smoked or chewed. Apart from that, it also causes teeth discoloration, most often in the form of yellow teeth stains. It is responsible for bad breath and crippled teeth as well.
Grinding
Many people grind their teeth for stress-relief. Some might do it unconsciously in their sleep as well. Grinding leads to enamel thinning and therefore causes teeth yellowing, but it also makes your teeth brittle.
Diseases and Medication
Different antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline might cause teeth discoloration. Additionally, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause enamel thinning and staining as well.
Even some strong mouthwash liquids can contain substances that tarnish and erode the teeth enamel. That is why it is important to pay close attention to the brand you’re buying.
What Can You Do About Yellow Teeth?
As you have read, there are different things that can cause teeth yellowing. Luckily, most of those things are avoidable. Keep on reading to find out what to do about your yellow teeth and how to avoid anything that could be causing them.
Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
As with any teeth problems, brushing and flossing regularly is the first solution. When you brush and floss, you prevent any plaque and food from staying on your teeth and staining them. In the long run, that will ensure that your enamel stays intact, which is the first step in avoiding yellow teeth.
Something that does wonders for yellow teeth is using a mixture of baking soda and water to brush your teeth every few days. Rinsing your mouth with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can also help.
No Sugary Food and Carbs
Cutting or limiting your intake of carbs and sugar is a good long-term solution for yellow teeth. Sodas and fizzy drinks need to go too, as they thin your enamel the most. Another thing to watch out for are fruits with high acidic levels, such as citruses, as they can cause staining as well.
Get Plenty of Calcium
One natural remedy that works like a charm when it comes to strengthening your enamel is high calcium intake. This solution is the best natural one in the long run. Products like milk, dairy, and broccoli have calcium in abundance. So, make sure to incorporate them into your everyday diet.
Get Rid of Teeth Stains with Teeth Whitening
Bringing back the shining whiteness to your smile is easy with tooth restoration procedures such as tooth whitening. Everything we know about tooth whitening (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/) says that it is a cutting-edge procedure that could change your life.
Sometimes, the enamel of your teeth is too damaged, and the discoloration cannot be reversed. In such cases, talking to a dentist about teeth whitening is a great idea.
Whitening is the process of bleaching your teeth’s color. It can be successful to varying degrees, depending on the amount of damage. People who want to improve their appearance and gain some confidence often opt for whitening their teeth, saying it does wonders.
Whitening will make your teeth look shiny and white. But the effect won’t last forever. The new color can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the original tooth color and the quality of the procedure. That is why it needs to be done regularly and by a trusted dentist.
So, Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
The question why are my teeth yellow? finally has an answer. As you saw, different factors can cause teeth stains and discoloration. From your dental and eating habits to medical conditions and medication you are taking, everything affects the color and condition of your teeth.
Luckily, there are as many solutions to yellow teeth as there are causes. Natural remedies and regular brushing and flossing come first, as well as a healthy diet. Ultimately, if everything else fails, getting professional help and whitening your teeth is always a healthy and good option. So, don’t ask why are my teeth yellow? anymore. Use the tips and advice above, and get your shiny smile back!
