The protective outer layer of a tooth is made of slightly transparent white enamel, and the layer of dentin beneath it is yellow. This makes human teeth a shade of yellowish white, but they can develop unsightly stains and discoloration as a result of many different factors. Here’s a brief guide to what causes teeth to lose their white and bright appearance and what you can do to keep your smile shiny and lovely.
Pigments and Dyes Cause Stains and Discoloration
A lot of material passes between the teeth over the decades, and years of exposure to items that are high in pigments and dyes such as coffee, tea, red wine, soda, sports drinks, berries, and colorful candies can leave unsightly stains and discoloration on a smile. This is because the colorful chemicals they contain can become embedded in the enamel, causing them to take on a yellowish or even a reddish or purplish shade over time. This problem only gets worse if the food or beverage is high in acid that weakens the enamel further and makes it more vulnerable to stains.
A Tobacco Habit Will Leave Its Mark on Your Smile
Over the past century, scientists have consistently discovered new reasons why smoking is absolutely horrible for your oral and overall health, and there is no reason to not expect this trend to continue. While smoking or chewing tobacco causes bad breath, inhibits the gums’ ability to heal and defend against infection, and can increase your risk of tooth loss, you may not be aware of how nicotine can leave unsightly yellow stains on your teeth. To make matters worse, the tar and other chemicals smoke contains can accumulate on your smile, leaving nasty brown buildups.
Poor Oral Hygiene Will Degrade Your Grin
Failing to practice proper oral hygiene will lead to the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, leaving the smile with an unflattering yellowish appearance. Thankfully, you can keep plaque at bay by brushing your teeth at least twice, flossing at least once, and using antibacterial mouthwash daily. This will clear away harmful oral bacteria that cause plaque, bad breath, and dental infections as well as the residual food debris that feeds them.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Fortunately, your dentist may be able to brighten your smile with non-invasive teeth whitening. These treatments come in the form of an in-office procedure that can be completed in about an hour or a take-home kit that takes about two weeks, and they deliver superior results without any of the risk of injury due to user error that comes with store-bought whitening products. Professional teeth whitening can leave a smile up to eight shades whiter, giving patients the stunning grin they need to be confident at work or in social situations.
If you can’t get the yellow stains off your teeth with improved oral hygiene, your dentist may be able to address the issue with professional teeth whitening. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to tell if these treatments are suitable for you.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez earned his dental degree at UCLA in 2011 and currently serves in the U.S. Army National Guard with the rank of Major. He loves helping others live healthier and more comfortable lives by providing them with exemplary dental services. His office in Tyler offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (903) 534-8110.