No one likes yellow teeth. But, with age teeth do become yellow as the enamel wears down and dentin, the calcified layer below the enamel gets exposed. If you are looking to whiten your teeth then several methods can be opted for to prevent yellowing. Many of these are home remedies and over the counter products. You can also go for dental procedures that can help reduce yellowing and give you a bright smile. But, before we talk about the solution let’s look at why one gets yellow teeth and how can one prevent it in the first place.
What are the causes of yellow teeth?
1) Genetics
If one of your parents has yellow teeth then it is likely that you would also have yellow teeth. Reddish-brown, reddish-yellow, reddish grey and grey are some of the other natural shades apart from yellow and white. The depth of the colour of teeth may vary from light to dark.
2) Age
Teeth ultimately turn yellow as one grows older. The enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Teeth turn yellow as the enamel thins with age and the dentin below the enamel gets exposed.
3) Smoking
Nicotine from smoking causes teeth to become yellow and brown due to the stains from it. With a prolonged smoking habit, teeth gradually change colour. It's important to quit smoking if you wish to have whiter teeth.
4) Drinks
Alcohol, tea, and coffee contain substances which cause stains on your teeth and yellowing. These substances must be avoided or you can drink using a straw to prevent exposure to teeth.
5) Fluorosis
Fluoride is important for healthy teeth. But, excessive fluoride may cause yellow or brownish teeth leading to fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste or fluoride tablets may be possible sources of fluoride. You can consult your dentist on how to reduce the fluoride content in your diet
How to prevent yellow teeth?
If you have stains on your teeth that make your teeth look yellow then you can definitely fight back and look for solutions. There are certain preventive measures as well which you can take to avoid stains in the first place. Let’s look at some of the common measures. Avoid certain food and drinks.
It is advisable to avoid beverages such as coffee, tea, soda and wine. These can cause stains and make your teeth appear yellow. If you have the habit of smoking or chewing tobacco then it is advisable to avoid it not just for your overall health but also for your oral hygiene. Use a straw and drink more water
It may be difficult at times to avoid certain beverages. In such cases, you must either drink from a straw or drink more water. When you drink from a straw the liquid is less likely to cause stains on your teeth. Drinking water immediately after consuming certain beverages is a great way to get rid of stains and wash away the acids and stains, thus preventing discolouration.
Remedies for yellow teeth
Yellow teeth are a very common dental problem that most people suffer from. There are several remedies that you can try to get rid of yellow teeth and discolouration. There are several home remedies as well as over the counter products and dental services that one can opt for in order to get brighter smile. These procedures are affordable and can be availed at a dental clinic. A lot of teeth whitening products such as strips, gels and powders are also available in the market which can help you to get whiter teeth.
Whitening toothpaste and powders
Whitening toothpaste target the surface of your teeth with a variety of substances including abrasives. These could contain different agents such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide or blue covarine. It may take up to 2-3 weeks for toothpaste to work and make your teeth few shades brighter.
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