How To Prevent Teeth From Yellowing
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Did you know? Some of your everyday habits might actually be turning your smile yellow. Here at Yorkshire Dental Suite, we have compiled our top tips for preventing future tooth discolouration.
Causes of yellow teeth
Before discussing prevention, let’s first think about the cause. Understanding the origins of yellow teeth will help to identify ways in which you can prevent future discolouration. While some of the below are completely out of our control, others are manageable. Here are 10 common causes of yellow teeth:
Causes | Explanation |
|---|---|
Poor oral hygiene | When you don’t clean your mouth properly, plaque and tartar begin to form. These substances coat the teeth in a yellowish substance. |
Genetics | The natural colour, translucency and strength of teeth varies from person to person. This means some individuals will have naturally whiter teeth than others. |
Diet | Many foods and drinks are known to have a yellowing effect on teeth. The main culprits generally tend to be rich in sugar or have a high acidity. |
Dental trauma | Injury affects the tooth’s ability to receive blood. Consequently, the tooth may gradually turn yellow, grey, purple, brown or black. |
The enamel becomes thinner and weaker with age, causing a number of dental problems. This includes yellow tooth discolouration. | |
Medications | Antihistamines, tetracycline - these are just two examples of medications that are recognised to have a yellowing effect on your smile. |
Alongside posing serious risks to your health, the nicotine, tar and E-liquids found in vapes and cigarettes accelerate the rate of discolouration. | |
Teeth grinding (bruxism) | The excessive clenching and grinding of teeth weakens the enamel significantly. Some patients experience cracking and yellowing as a result. |
Dental fluorosis | A relatively common dental condition, fluorosis appears as white, brown or yellow spots, flecks and lines on the teeth. |
Illness | Consuming lots of sugary medicines while unwell, or not drinking enough water, can affect the overall whiteness of your smile. |
How to prevent teeth from yellowing: Top 5 tips
There are many things you are able to do to protect and maintain the vibrancy of your smile. Consistency is key, so try to incorporate the tips into your daily routine as much as possible.
Keep up a good oral health routine
This is one of the best ways to prevent discolouration. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and an excellent toothbrush. The Yorkshire Dental Suite experts recommend using an electric toothbrush for the best clean. Don’t forget to floss either - this action removes bacteria and plaque from between the teeth.
Consider your diet
If you consume a lot of food and drinks that are pigmented, acidic or rich in sugar, your teeth can turn yellow at quite a rapid rate. Limit such items (if medically able) and rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove food particles stuck between the teeth. One of the biggest culprits to look out for is caffeine.
Quit smoking and vaping
As mentioned earlier, cigarettes and vapes are packed full of ingredients that harm not just your oral health, but your health in general. By quitting these habits, you are protecting yourself from a wide range of problems, including tooth discolouration and severe decay.
Do not avoid the dentist
Try to have two routine check-ups per year. Your dentist will check your mouth is in good condition and identify if there are any underlying issues that need to be fixed. In addition to this, attend two hygienist appointments annually for a deep clean. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a great option.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Saliva plays an essential role in your oral health and drinking water stimulates its production. Providing essential minerals and proteins, saliva protects your teeth from decay and gum disease, while simultaneously combatting bad breath. Drinking water also neutralises acids and washes away stain-inducing food particles.
Can yellow teeth become white again?
Yes. Patients with more severe discolouration may need to seek the assistance of a dental professional in order to restore their once white smile. These are just some of the procedures available:
- In-clinic teeth whitening: Using special lights and lasers, your dentist activates a potent whitening agent, giving you brighter teeth in just one appointment. Available at private dental clinics
- Teeth whitening kit: Refreshes the colour of your teeth from the comfort of home. Choose a prescribed, dentist-led set (like Yorkshire Dental Suite’s) for a safe and effective treatment.
- Nanofill Composite Bonding®: Our elevated take on traditional dental bonding. Using a gleaming white resin, the YDS experts disguise discolouration, chips, cracks and small gaps.
- Porcelain veneers: This popular treatment is a great choice for patients who want a Hollywood smile, but have years of dental wear and tear that needs to be addressed.
- Dental crown: Like porcelain veneers, this procedure is suitable for teeth in need of repair. It is not recommended for discolouration alone as crowns require permanent modification of the tooth.
FAQs
Yellow teeth is a very common dental concern amongst our patients. Here are just some of the questions we frequently receive about this type of discolouration. If you have any more queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What food and drinks are most likely to turn my teeth yellow?
One of the easiest ways to identify this is by thinking, if I dropped the item on a white t-shirt, would it stain? If the answer is yes, it will likely stain your teeth. Examples include tea, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces, berries and spices.
Can I scrape yellow off my teeth?
No. It may be tempting to try and remove stains yourself, but we highly recommend against it. This is because you are at risk of causing irreversible damage to the enamel. Leave it to the professionals!
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?
It could be a sign that the staining on your teeth is intrinsic. This simply means that the discolouration originates from the inside of the tooth. Recommended treatments include internal tooth bleaching and enamel microabrasion.
Does flossing prevent yellow teeth?
Absolutely. While brushing helps to prevent teeth from yellowing, it cannot get to the hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. That’s where flossing comes in - this action effectively removes food remnants, bacteria and plaque.
Is it normal to have yellow teeth after braces?
Yes. Brackets and wires make it harder to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to yellow stains. Rest assured, discolouration caused by orthodontic treatments are easily treatable. Conclusion: Need help restoring your once white teeth with a treatment? Or looking for tips on oral hygiene? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. The team will help you to reclaim and maintain a bright, confident smile.