Why does our teeth turn yellow and how to prevent them
Why does our teeth turn yellow and how to prevent them
Teeth discoloration is a problem that everyone faces. Some have yellow stained teeth since birth and some develop it as they grow up. Here are my reasons (which will be the same as that of your dentist) why our teeth get discolored –
1. Foods/drinks:
Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples and potatoes) can stain your teeth.
2.Tobacco use:
Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth and more they are a reason for cancer so avoid them.
3. Improper dental hygiene:
Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque and stain-producing substances like coffee and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration.
4. Disease:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. In addition, certain infections in pregnant mothers can cause tooth discoloration in the infant by affecting enamel development.
5. Medications:
The antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are known to turn the teeth yellow when given to kids whose teeth are still developing. Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure also cause teeth discoloration.
6. Dental materials:
Some of the materials used in dentistry, such as amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to teeth.
7. Advancing age:
As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.
8. Genetics
Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.
9. Environment:
Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.
So these are the problems and what about the solutions? Well the solution is simple and its effortless. You just need to adjust your daily routine and lifestyle. Smoking is not at all good so if you keep on getting that urge then you need to quit smoking. Tea and Coffee also harm the color of your teeth so you can cut down on that. Also you need to use proper technique to floss and brush your teeth.
To read further and to know what are the steps to achieve that beautiful smile click here.
