Teeth discolouration is very common, especially amongst people who smoke and have poor dental hygiene. Discolouration means your teeth may darken, appear less bright, or may become yellow. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Brahmaji Rao, Senior Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, shares some tips to prevent it and ways to whiten them.
Causes Of Yellow Teeth
“Yellow teeth can result from poor dental hygiene, dietary habits, tobacco use, ageing, genetics, medications, fluorosis, and dental conditions,” says Dr Rao, warning against inadequate brushing, neglecting check-ups, and plaque buildup.
According to the doctor, dark beverages and staining foods gradually lead to yellow teeth. Smoking introduces tar and nicotine, leading to yellow or brown stains, while ageing may reveal yellowish dentin as enamel wears down.
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“Some individuals have genetically yellower teeth," the doctor says, adding, “Certain medications, like tetracycline during tooth development, can cause discolouration, whereas overexposure to fluoride during childhood can also lead to the same.”
How To Prevent Yellow Teeth
To maintain oral health and prevent yellow teeth, follow these preventive measures:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Limit staining foods and drinks
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Have regular dental check-ups
- Use a straw for staining beverages
- Maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods
“These practices help remove plaque, prevent tartar buildup, reduce staining, and promote healthy teeth and gums. Visiting the dentist every six months ensures early detection of dental issues, while avoiding tobacco protects overall health. Incorporate these habits into your daily routine for a bright and healthy smile,” Dr Rao shares.
Tips To Whiten Teeth And Maintain Them
Here are a few ways to whiten teeth, followed by essential preservation methods.
- Professional teeth whitening, done by dentists using bleaching agents
- At-home whitening kits, under dentist supervision, which include whitening strips or gels
- Specialised whitening toothpaste that removes surface stains, though their effectiveness is limited
- Natural remedies like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or activated charcoal may help, but caution should be exercised.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that toothpaste containing baking soda and peroxide helped remove tooth stains and whitened teeth in participants who used the product.
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Another review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association also concluded that people who used toothpastes with baking soda got rid of tooth stains and helped whiten teeth.
After whitening, preservation is crucial. Here’s what steps you should take:
- Avoid foods and drinks that leave a stain on your teeth
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices
- Consider periodic dental touch-ups
- Use straws to drink staining beverages
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use
- Continue regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Bottomline
Whether you have yellow teeth or not, it is important to maintain oral hygiene. Brushing daily and visiting a dentist from time to time is crucial for the same. Developing yellow teeth is preventable, but to prevent it you must understand what can lead to it and avoid those habits.
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