Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to keep your teeth looking their best. Unfortunately, over time your teeth can become stained and yellowed from the food and drinks you consume.
Causes That Make Your Teeth Yellow
- Aging: As you age, the outer layer of your teeth becomes thinner and more translucent. This makes the inner yellow layer of your teeth more visible.
- Food and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine and soda can all cause your teeth to become yellow.
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing daily can cause your teeth to become stained.
- Smoking: Cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause your teeth to become stained.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause your teeth to become yellow.
- Tooth trauma: If you have an injury to your tooth, it can cause the tooth to die and become yellow.
- Dental materials: Dental materials, such as fillings and crowns, can become stained over time.
But don’t despair! You can do several things to prevent your teeth from yellowing and keep them looking bright and white. Here are some tried and true ways to prevent yellow teeth:
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the most important thing you can do to prevent your teeth from yellowing. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Floss Daily
Flossing is also important for preventing yellow teeth. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause your teeth to turn yellow.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of yellow teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain your teeth and make them yellow. If you smoke, try to quit to prevent your teeth from yellowing.
Limit Your Intake of Staining Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can cause your teeth to turn yellow. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables. If you consume these foods and drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to prevent staining.
Try a Teeth Whitening Treatment
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments available that can help to make your teeth several shades whiter. These include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste.
If you’re looking for a more effective teeth whitening treatment, consider professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If your toothbrush shows signs of wear, such as frayed bristles, you should replace it sooner. A worn toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as effectively as a new toothbrush.
If you have an electric toothbrush, replace the brush head every three to four months.
Use a Straw
If you can’t avoid drinking staining beverages, try using a straw. This will help to keep the drink away from your teeth and minimize staining.
Visit a Dental Professional Regularly
If you want to prevent your teeth from yellowing and keep them healthy, it’s important to visit a dental professional regularly. A dental professional can check your teeth for signs of decay, recommend ways to keep your teeth clean, and provide tips on preventing yellow teeth.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, if you are looking for ways to prevent yellow teeth, a few tried and true methods can help. Brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding tobacco use, and drinking plenty of water can all help to keep your teeth looking their best. Talk to your dentist about other ways to keep your smile looking its best.
If you’re looking for a teeth whitening dentist, Danvers Aesthetics Family Dentistry can help. Let us help you achieve a beautiful smile. Get in touch with us.