For many people, their smile is a feature that they take pride in. However, if you notice that your teeth are starting to look slightly yellow, you may start to lose your confidence. Especially when beauty standards highlight picture perfect, pearly white teeth, it’s perfectly normal to feel insecure about having yellow teeth.
For starters, always try to remember that every smile is different and unique, and the images we see on TV and in magazines are often edited beyond what is natural.
4 Common Causes of Yellow Teeth
Yellow teeth are far more common than you think, and many people can relate to the feeling of wanting a whiter, more perfect smile.
Understanding what causes yellow teeth can help you to achieve your goal of keeping your teeth white.
1. Foods and Drinks
Eating or drinking certain foods and drinks can contribute to yellow teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all drinks that can easily stain the teeth. Colas that are high in sugar can also produce plaque build-up and make your teeth look yellow. A wide range of foods can stain your teeth as well, including tomatoes in pasta sauce, curry spices, and even berries. Anything that contains pigments that cling to tooth enamel can stain the surface, leading to discolored teeth. Try cutting back on these foods and drinks a bit, and you may see an improvement in your smile.
2. Smoking
One of the most common causes for discolored and yellow teeth is smoking or using tobacco. Tobacco can leave yellowish or brown stains on your teeth, especially if you smoke often. Stains from smoking can be stubborn and hard to lift, so the best option to get rid of discolored teeth from smoking is to quit. Once you quit smoking, you may see the stains on your teeth start to fade away with the help of regular brushing and flossing.
3. Improper Brushing
Though it may sound like common sense, your brushing and flossing habits play a huge role in the appearance of your teeth. Improper brushing can leave plaque on your teeth, which can turn your teeth yellow and irritate your gums over time. If you want to keep your teeth white and clean, don’t skip out on your oral hygiene.
4. Aging and Wear
Even with perfect oral hygiene habits, your teeth may still turn yellow over time. Teeth naturally discolor as you age, and while you can whiten your teeth to improve their appearance, you can’t completely prevent this from happening. As the enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids in food and drinks, the yellow dentin under the surface shows through more. Genetics can also influence how white a person’s teeth are, as well as how quickly they change with age.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
If you are looking to remove the yellow appearance from your teeth, there are many different options that you can try at home. You can even try natural remedies instead of just using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even coconut oil are all popular methods for whitening teeth. You should always do your research before trying any at-home methods to make sure they are safe for your teeth.
Going to your dentist to talk about teeth whitening procedures or recommendations is always your safest bet. Your dentist can help you find the method that works best for you and is healthy for your teeth. To learn more about whitening services provided by Fisher Pointe Dental, visit the tooth whitening page on our website.