Instead of thinking you’re the only person walking around with yellow teeth, understand that this problem is an unfortunate reality for many people. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t have to be a permanent issue. While it is important to identify the underlying cause of your discolored teeth, it’s more helpful to discover what you can do to improve your smile. Keep reading to learn a few helpful tips to keep your teeth looking brighter and more beautiful.
The Culprits Behind Yellow Teeth
You may not notice that your teeth are turning yellow, as this process usually occurs gradually over time. However, once you discover a change when looking in the mirror, you may want to know why. Here are just a few of the many culprits that can cause your smile to discolor:
- Unhealthy Habits: Smoking and using tobacco can stain your teeth and cause them to appear yellow or darker as the years pass.
- Foods & Beverages: What you eat and drink can take a serious toll on your teeth. Not only do you have to worry about potential damage if you bite down on something hard, but you also need to think about how certain beverages and foods can stain and discolor your teeth (i.e., soda, coffee, tea, wine, soy sauce, curry, etc.).
- Lack of Good Oral Hygiene: If you are not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you can expect bacterial build-up and food debris to attack your tooth enamel, resulting in discoloration.
- Too Much Fluoride: If you were exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride as a child, you may have stains on your teeth.
It’s also possible to experience yellowing if you take certain medications or are living with various illnesses (i.e., chemotherapy for cancer or asthma and high blood pressure medications).
Ways to Treat Yellow Teeth
Instead of continuing to be embarrassed by your smile, there are things you can do to improve the way it looks. Doing so will not only enhance your physical appearance but will have a positive impact on your mental and emotional health as well.
You can:
- Minimize your exposure to stain-causing foods and beverages
- Practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing for two minutes, twice a day, as well as flossing at least once before going to bed and rinsing away any bacterial remnants
- Visit your dentist for regular six-month checkups and cleanings
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products
- Ask your cosmetic dentist about ways to brighten your teeth with specialized services (i.e., veneers, smile makeover, etc.)
Give your teeth a chance to shine again. Using the tips mentioned above, you can get rid of the stains and start living your best life with an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rini Bavishi is a dentist in Mansfield who received her DDS degree with honors in oral surgery from New York University. She and her colleague, Dr. Doshi, provide personalized cosmetic care to patients who desire a whiter, noticeably brighter smile. Using various solutions, she can address the problem of yellow teeth and deliver stunning results that boost a person’s confidence like never before. If you need help to determine why your once pearly whites are discolored, contact us at (682) 370-0400.
