How to prevent teeth from yellowing?
If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, your dentist is the best person to consult. They can advise you on how to prevent stains and improve your oral hygiene, or discuss cosmetic options to help you achieve a whiter smile.
Why do teeth turn yellow?
There isn’t just one reason why teeth turn yellow. Different causes require different solutions, so understanding why it happens is the first step toward a whiter smile. The yellow color you see on your teeth may be caused by the following factors:
Dentin
It is the softer layer of the tooth located beneath the protective enamel. Dentin has a yellowish shade, while enamel is naturally white. Teeth with thicker enamel usually appear whiter.
If you naturally have thinner enamel due to genetics or it has worn down due to decay or acid erosion, more of the yellow dentin will show through. Enamel wear is more likely with age, which is why our teeth tend to appear more yellow as we get older.
Plaque
Bacteria that build up on your teeth form a sticky layer called plaque. If not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar.
Plaque and tartar are pale yellow in color, but stains from food and drinks can make them darker over time. Plaque can usually be controlled with good oral hygiene, but once it hardens into tartar, it can only be removed through professional cleaning at a dental clinic.
Food and drinks
Common reasons why teeth become yellow or darker include stains from food and drinks, smoking, and other sources. It is not difficult to recognize which foods and beverages can cause staining. Discoloration occurs when pigments from food and drinks penetrate the enamel and stain the softer dentin beneath the surface. These stains cannot be removed by brushing, but treatments such as teeth whitening can be effective in removing them.
How to prevent teeth from yellowing and keep them white and shiny?
- Avoiding common sources of tooth stains
- Maintaining good and regular oral hygiene
- Avoiding staining and discoloration by limiting foods and drinks with strong or dark pigments, such as:
- coffee
- tea
- red wine
- carbonated drinks
- fruit juices
- tomato and curry sauces
- beetroot
Maintain good oral hygiene
- brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes
- use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth
- replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every 3 months
- clean between your teeth once a day using interdental brushes
- drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially tap water containing fluoride
- reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- try to quit smoking
