Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?
Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
Let’s face it, we all want that picture-perfect bright, white smile. But, unfortunately for most of us, no matter what we do or how much we brush, the stains just won’t truly fade. Yellower teeth, however, are not an indication of an unhealthy mouth. In the general population, even those with good oral hygiene have stains. So if it’s not about health, then why are some teeth inevitably yellow?
Do yellow teeth mean unhealthy?
Yellow teeth do not necessarily mean that the mouth is unhealthy. While in some instances this may be the case, there are other reasons as to why teeth become stained. For optimal oral health, the American Dental Association recommends a regular dental routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. When brushing, it is crucial to reach all sides of the teeth as food residue, which can cause discoloration, can get lodged in the tight cracks. A consistent oral routine and keeping up with twice-a-year dental appointments is the recipe for a healthy mouth.
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?
Even with brushing and flossing twice a day, sometimes this still isn’t enough to keep our teeth shiny and bright. But, not to fear, most teeth have what are called “extrinsic stains”, meaning they’re stains on the surface of the tooth that are coming from an outside source. With a few lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly reduce the yellowish appearance of your teeth and keep them whiter for longer.
- Food & Drinks. Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, darker sodas, and eating certain foods like colored candies can produce noticeable stains. Sodas especially can slowly wear away tooth enamel and make teeth more prone to discoloration. However, this is not to say you can drink or eat anything that stains ever again. Simply reducing the intake of these products can help produce whiter teeth.
- Tobacco. The use of cigarettes and other tobacco products is known to produce yellow teeth. Reducing the amount you smoke or chew these products will not only help with avoiding both extrinsic and intrinsic stains but also will reduce the chance of gum and tooth decay and disease.
- Medications. Some medications on the market have been linked to developing yellow teeth. These include drugs for high blood pressure, chemotherapy, some antibiotics, antihistamines, and antipsychotics. Often, drug-related staining is seen in children. This is due to the medications binding to calcium and depositing in developing teeth.
- Tooth Disease. When the teeth are developing, whether it is in the womb or during childhood, they are rather vulnerable to discoloration. Any illness or disease that stunts enamel development can result in long-term stains. During adulthood, some trauma and diseases can have the same yellowing effect.
- Trauma. Any sort of traumatic injury to the mouth while the teeth are still developing can impact the enamel formation. This can result in a discolored appearance. If the trauma is bad enough to impact the tooth’s blood flow, a darker color can develop.
- Aging. As we age the enamel on our teeth slowly wears away. This exposes the yellow dentin that resides underneath, making the mouth seem discolored. Additionally, because the translucency of teeth decreases with time, the appearance of the dental pulp appears darker.
Can you get yellow teeth white again?
Stained teeth are not destined to be stained forever. In fact, there are at-home and professional methods of whitening teeth. Most drugstores offer whitening strips and whitening toothpaste which, when used regularly, can help achieve whiter teeth. However, for those with sensitive teeth and gums, overuse of these at-home products can cause increased sensitivity and discomfort.
Professional cosmetic dentistry services are another option for tackling discoloration. The whitening solution used at the dental clinic is often stronger and more concentrated than that you’d find for sale. Often, many people see impressive results after the first professional whitening treatment. For darker, more stubborn stains, you may need to attend multiple appointments.
Abundant Dental Is Here To Help
One of the quickest, and safest ways to a pearlier smile is through professional teeth whitening services. Abundant dental has been Utah’s premier dental clinic, offering cosmetic dentistry services among many others. For a professional teeth whitening treatment like no other, call Abundant Dental today and book an appointment.