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Did you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror and notice just how yellow your teeth are? If you are careful about your oral hygiene, you may be surprised and wonder how this happened.
While yellow teeth can affect your confidence to smile, the good news is that they usually aren't an indication of an oral health problem. They can also be easily fixed with professional teeth whitening in Sunbury.
It could also be useful to know what causes yellow teeth so you can take some preventive measures in the future.
Causes of Yellow Teeth
Here are some of the main causes of yellow teeth:
- Smoking
Tobacco products are known to stain and discolor teeth. That's because nicotine can get easily trapped in the "pores" of your enamel. And, although nicotine is colorless, it turns yellow or brown when in contact with oxygen. The effect isn't instantaneous, but over time, your teeth will stain and turn yellow.
- Age
Your age plays quite an important role in how strong and sparkly your teeth are. As we age, the enamel is getting weaker due to daily wear and tear. And, as the enamel gets weaker and reveals more of the dentin underneath, your teeth will get yellower.
- Genetics
Your genes can also play a role in the color of your teeth. If other members of your family have yellow teeth (despite having good oral hygiene,) then it may mean that your enamel is thinner than normal. A thinner enamel exposes more of the dentin, which will give your teeth a yellow hue.
- Improper Oral Hygiene
Without daily brushing and flossing, a sticky film, known as plaque, will build up at the base of your teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which is a yellowish calcified deposit. Plaque and tartar can make your teeth look discolored and unhealthy.
The problem with tartar is that it can't be removed with regular brushing. You will need to schedule an appointment for professional cleaning to remove it and give your teeth a healthy appearance.
- Your Diet
Certain foods and beverages, such as red sauces, balsamic vinegar, berries, coffee, teas, and so on have dark pigments in them. Regular exposure to these foods will slowly stain your teeth and make them look yellower.
To keep your teeth whiter for longer, try to limit the consumption of staining foods and beverages. You can also try drinking your coffee or tea through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
I Want to Get My Teeth Whiten!
Are you unhappy with the color of your teeth and are considering a whitening treatment? Let a Sunbury dentist at Shine Dental help you get a shiny and healthy smile.
In addition to whitening your teeth, we can also share with you lots of tips that will help you keep your smile bright for longer.
Contact us online and we will get back to you to help you book your appointment.
