Our teeth absorb the colors of our food through microscopic pores every day. Removing years of staining results in dramatically whiter teeth and improved confidence. A beautifully whitened smile is a symbol of health and youthfulness. The challenge is getting the professional results you want without wasting time or money on over-the-counter gimmicks.
Though not as urgent as some dental conditions, yellow teeth can effect your confidence and willingness to smile. You can then look at changing what you eat and drink while reviewing your oral care routine. Here are ten common causes of this undesirable tinge:
- Genetics
Sometimes, tooth color runs in the family. If one of your parents’ teeth are yellow, it’s likely that yours are a similar hue. Reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray and reddish gray are the four natural shades of otherwise white teeth, and this depth of color varies across a spectrum from light to dark.
- Staining of the enamel
Enamel is like a glass window that we look through to see the natural underlying white colour of our tooth. This is ‘Dentin’, which is the tooth bone. Whenever the enamel or ‘window’ is stained it veils the natural white colour of your teeth and your teeth appear yellow or darker than they naturally are. Through natural expansion and contraction of hot and cold substances the enamel which contains millions of microscopic pores becomes embedded with unprocessed compounds from food, drink and tobacco causing tooth discolouration and staining. No amount of teeth brushing will remove these stains.
- Wear
Unfortunately your Teeth turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a grayish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.
- Smoking
Nicotine from smoking doesn’t just develop an unhealthy addiction; it leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth, too (just another reason to kick the habit).
- Foods
A wide range of foods stain teeth. Tomatoes in pasta sauce, curry spices, beetroot and berries all contain pigments that cling to tooth enamel and stain this surface. Even a healthy salad with balsamic vinegar dressing can leave an unsightly colour on your teeth.
- Drinks
Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth, but red and white wine are also to blame. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavouring.
- Antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they’re developing in the gums. According to the National Intitutes of Health, if your mother took antibiotics in the second half of her pregnancy, or you took them before the age of eight, you may have interior staining in the dentin or tooth bone.
- Fluorosis
Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride. Ask your dentist if you’re concerned you or your child is taking too much through these means.
- Accidents
Impact of an accident or physical trauma can crack tooth enamel and damage the tooth’s interior, leading to discoloration that may indicate bleeding that needs professional attention.
- Grinding
Tooth grinding is an unconscious habit some people have when they’re stressed, especially while asleep. Also known as bruxism, it’s quite harmful to tooth enamel, weakening it to the point of cracking and yellowing.
Avoiding Yellow Teeth
A good oral health routine such as thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day to prevent yellow surface stains is a must. Floss your teeth once a day, as well. To tackle stains that just won’t go budge not matter how much you brush your teeth may require a visit to a professional teeth whitening clinic. Please ensure your teeth whitening treatment is carried out by a registered teeth whitening practitioner.
Contact iSmile Teeth Whitening Auckland Clinic today 0212095004
Temporary Location 645 SH16, Kumeu, Auckland.
iSmile Teeth Whitening Practitioners are fully qualified and members of the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA).
Click here to learn more about Professional In Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland
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