No one likes it when they have yellow teeth. It prevents many from smiling and can lower self-esteem. If you know what the cause behind the yellow teeth is, you can treat it and prevent further yellowing.
Causes of Yellow Teeth
Natural Causes
As cruel as it can be, sometimes a person’s teeth aren’t as white as others are naturally. A tooth’s enamel is typically white, but the dentin layer underneath is yellow. If the enamel isn’t mineralized properly, it will be translucent, so the yellow dentin will show through. The only way to fix this problem is to talk to your dentist about advanced methods to whiten your teeth.
Aging
The older you get, the yellower your teeth will get, no matter how great you are about taking care of your teeth. As you age, your enamel wears down, so the yellow dentin is more visible.
Oral Hygiene
This really should go without saying, but just in case, bad oral hygiene will yellow your teeth. Not brushing, not flossing, and not visiting your dentist for regular cleanings will always lead to yellow teeth.
Eating Habits
Certain food and drinks will stain your teeth. Tobacco, whether you smoke or chew, will also stain your teeth.
Treating Yellow Teeth
There are a few things you can do to treat your yellow teeth. Of course, the big ones are to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. You should also try to brush your teeth after consuming staining foods and beverages, such as soda and coffee. You can use over-the-counter whitening strips as well, found at practically every grocery store or pharmacy.
If you need more advanced whitening, talk to your dentist about it. Your dentist may be able to professionally whiten them with bleaching or possibly recommend porcelain veneers.