Are Yellow Teeth a Sign of Poor Oral Health?
Looking in the mirror and seeing yellow teeth isn’t a pleasant sight. Are you looking for ways to give your smile a milky white makeover? Are yellow teeth a sign of poor oral health? Is there any way to reverse the unattractive, unhealthy yellowing on your teeth? This post will tell you all about what might be causing your teeth to turn yellow and some valuable tips on keeping them white.
My Teeth Are Yellow – Should I Worry?
Teeth naturally have a white-yellow hue to them. This is because the enamel, the protective layer outside your teeth, is white, but can be thinner for some people and even translucent. The layer directly under the enamel is light yellow. Therefore, it is perfectly natural to have a light yellow color on your teeth, and it is not caused by poor oral health.
However, there are some risks that may make your teeth stained or yellower in color and these could be signs of poor oral health. Luckily, yellow teeth do not indicate any serious medical problem in most cases. While you shouldn’t worry too much, yellow teeth do suggest poor oral health and an unappealing smile. You wouldn’t want to settle with yellow teeth for the rest of your life. It’s worth making an effort to address the problem and make your teeth white again.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
If your teeth are a darker yellow than what is described above as normal, you may want to re-evaluate your oral hygiene routine and your consumption of specific foods and drinks. The common causes of tooth discoloration include the following:
Diet and Yellow Teeth
Some foods and drinks will stain your teeth and may cause permanently discolored teeth. Black coffee, sauces, and wine contain chemicals called tannins which can stain the teeth when consumed regularly. The chemical seeps into the enamel, causing long-term discoloration. Additionally, if a food or drink is high in sugar or acid, it may break down the enamel on your teeth, revealing the yellow layer underneath. The acidity in these foods wears down the enamel and makes way for tooth decay and discoloration. Foods that cause yellow teeth: include red wine, coffee, tea, soda, and sports drinks.
Unstable Fluoride Levels
Fluoride in excess, as well as too little fluoride, can cause problems to tooth enamel, especially in young children. It’s important to talk with your dentist to ensure you and your child are receiving the right amount of fluoride to keep your teeth healthy.
Smoking and Yellow Teeth
Today, most people are aware that smoking causes a number of health conditions, including discolored teeth. The smoke quickly stains your teeth and can cause permanent damage if you are a long-term smoker. Chewing tobacco causes the same effect. Yellowish or brownish teeth, accompanied by a bad odor and damaged teeth, are common problems that heavy smokers have to face. The easiest thing to do is to stop smoking and inquire about a teeth whitening procedure.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental care can also cause yellow teeth. If you are not brushing and flossing effectively or as often as you should, plaque and bacteria will build up on your teeth and cause a yellow appearance.
Aging
Enamel will naturally discolor with age. Even if you brush and floss regularly and follow a good diet, advancing age will give the teeth a slightly yellowish shade, which is perfectly normal. Genetics and family history will often affect this condition. Aging causes teeth to lay down more yellow dentin and reduce the pulp, causing white teeth to turn a slightly yellow shade.
Grinding Your Teeth
Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? Many people are in the habit of grinding teeth unconsciously when sleeping. Some even do it to release stress. This habit can damage the enamel, exposing the yellow layer within.
Illness, Medication and Yellow Teeth
Unfortunately, some medical conditions can cause your teeth to turn yellow due to the medications you may have to take. If this is the case, discuss options with your doctor. Certain medications prescribed for high blood pressure and other medical issues may also cause discolored teeth.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?
While brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to achieve white teeth, sometimes this approach may fail to get rid of the yellow stain on your teeth. If it’s not one of the problems discussed above, improper brushing habits can also cause staining. When brushing your teeth, make sure you get to every corner, cleaning all the debris to avoid any issues. Reinforce the cleaning process by using dental floss. Dental floss reaches the spots that brush fails at, making sure all of your teeth are adequately cleaned.
While brushing correctly is essential, you also need to be careful not to brush too harshly. Brushing too vigorously or using a hard toothbrush can erode away your enamel, exposing the yellow dentin within. Dentists always recommend soft toothbrushes over medium or hard ones.
Make sure you are using the right toothbrush and brush in slow, circular motions. Make an effort to reach all the corners and brush away the debris before they turn into hard plaque and lead to further issues.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
If you are worried about the color of your teeth and would like a whiter smile, there are some things you can do.
Brush Regularly: The most important thing you can do to get a whiter smile is to focus on your brushing and flossing routine. When plaque and tartar start settling on your teeth, they start appearing yellow. Regular brushing ensures that all the unwanted particles are washed out of your mouth, leaving your teeth white as ever. Of course, teeth whitening isn’t the only reason why you should be brushing regularly. It also saves you from cavities, gum diseases, and loss of teeth.
Teeth Whitening Products: There are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening products and antioxidant toothpastes that you can use to whiten your teeth. It’s vital to do your research and ensure you are not ingesting any harmful chemicals from the products.
Visit The Dentist: You can inquire about professional teeth whitening from your local dentist. Again, it’s essential to discuss the risks associated with these procedures and to understand which type of chemicals they will be using on your teeth. Professional teeth whitening should be followed up with regular use of AO ProToothpaste – White Care. It’s an antioxidant-rich formula that soothes your oral tissues after harsh bleaching from teeth whitening products. Additionally, it’s composed of natural extracts and micro-minerals that will prolong the results of the professional cleaning to ensure a white smile for longer.
How to Fix Yellow Teeth at Home:
There are a number of home remedies you can try to whiten your teeth. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide have natural whitening properties and you’ve probably heard about this home remedy for teeth whitening. While these products are regarded as safe for use on your teeth, we do not recommend as it can cause oxidation. It’s a good idea to ask a dentist if you should be using them.
However there are some things you can do to help whiten your yellow teeth.
Ramp Up Your Calcium Intake:
Calcium is very healthy for your teeth. In fact, this particular nutrient will protect your enamel from eroding. Regular intake of calcium will strengthen your teeth, particularly enamel. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are rich in calcium. You can also get lots of calcium from green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach.
Increase Your Dose Of Vitamin C:
Studies show that a deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to bacterial buildup on teeth and gums. This causes discoloration of white teeth. To counter the negative effect of Vitamin C deficiency, you need to ensure an ample supply of the nutrient by consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Citrus fruits, peppers, and strawberries are all rich in Vitamin C. They can boost the whiteness of your teeth, besides improving your overall health.
Ensure Oral Hygiene:
You can improve your oral hygiene routine, reduce your consumption of the foods mentioned above, and quit smoking. Taking good care of your teeth automatically translates into a whiter smile.
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