There are few things that can instantly make a person appear appear unappealing than yellow teeth. While some people succeed in keeping their pearly whites sparkling white using home remedies and regular brushing, others may find that their teeth have turned a slight yellow over time. Being left with yellow teeth can be embarrassing and there are many who have asked the question “Why do my teeth appear yellow?” The answer is not always simple, as there can be several reasons why your teeth may have become stained. Teeth turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a greyish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain. Teeth whitening or cleaning may help!
What causes teeth to appear yellow?
If your teeth have turned yellow, it is most likely due to a build-up of stain. The most common types of stain include: There are many other causes of discoloration, including tetracycline stains, smoking, excessive consumption of red wine and even medication. The best way to determine the cause of your yellow teeth is by visiting your dentist.
Dentin darkens with age, but yellow teeth typically means that your enamel has been stained. Plaque buildup can also accumulate, leaving teeth dirty and yellow. If your brushing habits are not up to scratch, this can make any stains or developing yellow teeth worse. Brushing twice a day is a minimum, but you have to make sure that you’re cleaning all your teeth to avoid issues.
Foods that cause Teeth to become yellow
Coffee and tea: These drinks are high in tannins, which can cause a staining effect on the teeth. You can combat this by using a straw when drinking beverages and rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking coffee or tea.
Red wine: Red wine is a very common cause of teeth discoloration. If you drink a few glasses of red wine each week, you may notice a slight yellowing of your teeth. The best way to avoid this is by drinking through a straw, and rinsing your mouth out with water after finishing your drink.
Fruit and vegetables: While many people assume that fruits and vegetables are good for the teeth, some can actually cause teeth discoloration. The excess pigments found in carrots, red peppers and beetroot can cause staining on the teeth, so it is best to avoid eating these while teeth are exposed.
Dark colored dental products: Some dental products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste, are colored dark blue, green, red and black. Brushing or rinsing with these products can cause teeth discoloration, so it is best to use a non-colored product for your dental care.
Dental problems that cause teeth discolouration
There are many dental problems that can cause teeth discoloration, including cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay. Below are the most common dental problems that cause teeth discoloration:
Cavities: When bacteria get into the tooth, they produce acid that causes decay and discoloration. The tooth becomes yellow and brown due to the stain of the decay.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an infection of the gums that causes them to swell and become red. The gums and teeth become stained due to the bacteria in the gums.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. The teeth become stained and appear yellow due to the bacteria.
Tooth decay: When the tooth is exposed to too much food and drink, the tooth surface can become decayed. The acid from the food and drink can then travel through the tooth and cause the tooth to become stained.
Age and genetics | Yellow Teeth
The older you get, the more susceptible your teeth become to stains. This is due to a number of factors, including a reduction in saliva and reduced ability to brush teeth effectively. Teeth are not only susceptible to stains at a later age; genetics can influence stains on teeth at any age. Some people naturally have more pigments in their teeth than others, which can cause discoloration.
Professional Teeth whitening
If your teeth are only slightly stained, you can try using a teeth whitening treatment at home. There are many products to choose from, and it is advised to read reviews before purchasing any products. Teeth whitening kits are very simple to use and can whiten teeth in as little as a week. These kits contain a chemical solution that is brushed onto the teeth each day. The solution is activated by the saliva in the mouth, removing stains and whitening the teeth.
Teeth whitening kits are relatively inexpensive, and some are available to buy over the counter. There are kits for people with sensitive teeth, so it is best to find out which one is best for you. There are also professional teeth whitening options available, including in-house treatments at the dentist. These treatments are more effective than over-the-counter kits, but come at a higher price.
Concluding
There are many reasons why teeth appear yellow, including dietary choices and aging. Visiting the dentist can help determine what the cause is and what can be done to correct the discoloration. Teeth whitening is one of the most common ways to treat teeth discoloration. There are many DIY options available, or you can visit the dentist for a more effective treatment. Teeth cleaning can prevent or reverse the discolouration. Simply be more mindful of your dental health and try to avoid the foods and drinks that can cause staining.
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