A beautiful field of sunflowers. A gleaming piece of gold jewelry. A gorgeous butterfly. There are many things in life that are yellow that are appreciated, but teeth are not one of them! Instead, a bright, white smile is always valued; it builds confidence and makes you look more youthful. But perhaps you struggle with discolored teeth and that gleaming smile seems out of reach. Here are four common reasons for yellow teeth and how to get them brighter!
#1: Natural Wearing Down of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the outermost part of the tooth that provides protection and gives them a shiny, white appearance. But even though it is the hardest substance in the human body, it isn’t indestructible. Over the years, it’s natural for the outermost part of your teeth to wear down from everyday life. This can lead to a yellow appearance over time, which is the most common sign of damaged enamel.
#2: Overindulging in Dark-Colored Drinks & Food
Do you enjoy that daily warm mug of coffee every morning or a lovely glass of red wine at night? Or maybe chocolate candies or blueberries are a regular snack of choice? While these beverages and foods may be delicious, many of them contribute to the staining of your pearly whites. Dark-colored foods not only have pigmented particles that can make your smile dim, but they can also contain sugars and acids that will weaken your enamel.
#3: Lack of a Consistent, Healthy Oral Routine
One of the main causes of discolored teeth is a lack of a solid dental hygiene routine. By brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing daily, you can eliminate debris, food particles, and bad bacteria from building up in your mouth. Without consistently caring for your pearly whites, you not only increase your chances of yellowed teeth but also your risk of decay and infection. Biannual checkups and exams are also essential to maintain a bright and healthy smile!
#4: Smoking or Using Tobacco
Using tobacco products is detrimental to your overall health, including the color of your smile. They typically consist of highly pigmented particles that can linger on your teeth, causing a significant amount of discoloration.
What Can Be Done to Get a Whiter Smile?
The good news is yellow teeth can be turned into the luminous smile you dream of! Of course, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. As discussed above, your daily dental routine is key to a beautiful smile. And maintaining your biannual visits to your dentist is also essential. While you are there, you can discuss professional teeth whitening. Your smile can become many shades brighter in just an hour. For a more convenient option, your dentist can provide trays and whitening gels for at-home treatments. After a few weeks of daily use, your teeth can have the same results as an in-office treatment.
There are various reasons your teeth may be yellow, but they don’t have to stay that way. With some changes in your oral habits and professional teeth whitening, you can return to a bright, gleaming smile!
About the Practice
EMA Dental serves families at two locations through the expertise of our team of dentists. With our award-winning dental care, we can help you to achieve the smile of your dreams! We offer a range of cosmetic services to help your teeth become as bright as possible. From professional teeth whitening (with in-office and at-home options) to veneers, our cosmetic dentists can give you a personalized plan for your optimal grin. To schedule a consultation, contact us through our website.