The Six Reasons Why Your Teeth Turn Yellow
Having yellow teeth can definitely affect your confidence and of course, the brightness of your smile. A lot of people nowadays tend to forget the importance of having clean white teeth which makes them less conscious with their habits and food diet. Without them knowing, this makes them vulnerable to the risk of having yellow teeth.
Although you can actually prevent this from happening by means of brushing your teeth at least two to three times a day and flossing once a day, it is also important that you know what causes it. To help you out, we have listed down the six reasons why your pearly white teeth turn to a yellowish color.
- Genetics – There is a great chance that you inherit the natural color of your parents’ teeth. The natural shades of the teeth when it’s not white are yellowish, greyish, brownish hue and more orange. If the color of the teeth runs in the family, there’s a possibility that you adapt the same hue of your parents’ teeth. In this matter, aesthetic whitening treatments may be applied to gain that pearl white color.
- Visibility of dentin due to thin tooth enamel – Dentin is made up with 70% of mineral hydroxylapatite, 20% of organic material and 10% water. It is being protected by the tooth enamel and is naturally yellow-colored. That’s why when the tooth enamel is thin, the dentin becomes more visible. Thus, some teeth whitening treatments cannot guarantee the desired level of whiteness.
- Aging and accidents – As we age, our teeth become weaker and turn yellow naturally because of the wear endured over time caused by food and acidic drinks. In addition, accidents can also affect the color of your teeth as trauma can crack tooth enamel that will lead to the discoloration. Thus, a proper medication from a dentist is greatly needed.
- Smoking – Needless to say, smoking is really dangerous for your health and also your teeth. The substance called nicotine can harmfully damage not just the health of your teeth but also its color. It leaves a yellowish or brownish stain that can stick on your teeth for a very long time causing it to look dirty and irritating.
- Food and drinks intake – The food that you eat and drink are very crucial to the color of your teeth. Various foods leave stain to the teeth causing it to appear yellowish. Extra-chewy candies can also greatly contribute to the discoloration of your teeth because of the large sugar-deposits it can induce to your teeth. Even coffee and tea, just like soda, can affect the color of your teeth due the citric and phosphoric acids that these contain. (See our blog about the Top 3 Food Groups that are Good for Your Teeth)
- Fluorosis – Cliché as it may sound but too much can be really bad. One of the minerals that is greatly beneficial to the teeth is fluoride as it helps on “remineralizing” your teeth. But, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. It is the yellow to brownish yellow spots that are caused by the excess fluoride deposits.
On the other hand, yellowish teeth can still be treated. You just have to find the right expert to do the job for you. If you’re looking for the best dentist based in Makati, come and visit Dr. Rowena Marzo’s clinic at Medical Plaza, Amorosolo corner Dela Rosa St. Legaspi Village, Makati City.
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