How are you making your first impression? Is it with a brilliant white smile, or one that is dingy and dull? Yellow teeth are an aesthetic concern for many people, both old and young. Fortunately, there is an affordable and simple way to correct stained teeth through professional teeth whitening.
Since teeth whitening doesn’t offer a permanent fix, it is worth your while to determine what is causing your yellow teeth in the first place. This can help you avoid future whitening treatments, or at least be able to get a longer return on this cosmetic dentistry investment.
Teeth can stain or give off a yellow hue for a variety of reasons. Ask yourself if any of the following applies to you:
Your Oral Hygiene is Subpar
This is the first place to start if you notice that your teeth look a bit more dingy than normal. When plaque, bacteria and food debris are allowed to accumulate on your tooth surfaces, your smile can begin to look more yellow than white. Maintain a diligent brushing and flossing routine and see your dentist every six months. A clean smile is often a white smile.
Your Dietary Habits Need Attention
A major culprit to discolored teeth can be found in your diet. Are you a frequent coffee drinker? Do you like a daily glass of red wine? There are many beverages and foods that can stain your teeth over time. Try to avoid sodas, sports drinks, red wine, berries and tomato sauce to see if it makes a difference in the color of your smile.
You Have a Tobacco Habit
Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can create stubborn stains on your teeth, as well as contribute to gum disease. If you are able to get rid of smoking stains with teeth whitening, consider it a perfect time to quit your harmful habit.
You Are an Aging Adult
Just like many other parts of your body, your teeth are affected by the natural aging process. Over time, the enamel layer of the teeth wears thin. Unfortunately, this allows the more yellow dentin layer to be more visible.
You Have a Genetic Trait for Thick Enamel
You may be able to blame your parents for your yellow teeth. While teeth color is not a direct genetic trait, the thickness of your enamel is. Therefore, if your genetics gave you thinner enamel, you may have to work extra hard to maintain a whiter shade than someone who has thicker enamel.
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we are not only able to remove your tooth stains, but we also help you determine the cause of your yellow teeth. This can help patients adjust their lifestyle habits so that they can retain a whiter, more beautiful smile in the future.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,