There are lots of ways to make your teeth brighter and many reasons why they might look yellow. In this blog, we will give you a step-by-step guide on everything from changing what you eat to getting professional whitening so you can whiten your teeth.
Let’s Understand Why Teeth Look Yellow
Our teeth might turn yellow for various reasons. Eating and drinking stuff like coffee, tea, and red wine or smoking can make them stain. Not brushing and flossing enough will also cause plaque to build up and make teeth look yellow. As we get older, the outside part of our teeth, called enamel, wears down, showing the yellow part underneath, called dentin. Some people are born with thicker enamel that looks whiter, while others have thinner enamel, showing more of the yellow dentin. Certain medicines, like tetracycline antibiotics, can also change teeth color if taken when teeth are growing.
The American Dental Association says almost 46% of kids and 80% of adults in the US have this problem. When enamel goes away, the yellowish layer underneath, called dentin, shows through, making teeth look yellow. Dentin can also get stained, which is called an intrinsic stain. These stains are tough to remove. Even if your dentin is discolored, you can still make your teeth look brighter, but it’s best to see a dentist for professional whitening.
Follow the Five Steps to make your teeth whiter
- Choose the best toothpaste
Acids in your diet can wear down your enamel, but toothpaste with fluoride helps protect it. It’s important to choose a safe and effective toothpaste, as the wrong one can harm your teeth. Some people use toothpaste with charcoal to whiten their teeth. Charcoal attracts stains on the outer enamel layer, but it doesn’t necessarily whiten deeper stains. In fact, it can make your teeth weaker and more yellow because it’s abrasive.
For the best whitening results, use a toothpaste that can clean both surface and deeper stains. Look for toothpaste labeled as “whitening” for this. When choosing a toothpaste brand, go for one with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This seal means the product meets safety and effectiveness standards. You can find many toothpaste brands with this seal, so check out the full list to find the right one for you.
If you have questions about choosing a safe toothpaste for whitening, We’re here to help you pick the best toothpaste for your dental health.
- Brush Twice a Day
Toothpaste works best when you use it regularly. The American Dental Association suggests brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time, which we call the “two-times-two technique.” This will help you to apply your whitening toothpaste and remove plaque and bacteria that can harm your enamel. For your toothbrush, go for one with soft bristles instead of hard ones. Soft bristles can lower your risk of gum damage and are gentle on your enamel, preventing enamel loss.
Consider using an electric toothbrush, too. They’re more effective at cleaning because they vibrate quickly, scrubbing away more plaque and bacteria. Studies show that after three months of using an electric toothbrush, plaque buildup decreased by 21%, and gingivitis rates dropped by 11% compared to manual brushes!
- Stay away from acidic or sugary foods and drinks.
Avoiding acidic or sugary foods and beverages is important for maintaining optimal oral health and preserving the integrity of your teeth. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings, and carbonated drinks can gradually erode the protective enamel coating on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and other dental issues. Similarly, indulging in sugary treats such as candies, sodas, juices, and sweet snacks provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to the formation of plaque, cavities, and gum disease.
By being mindful of your dietary choices and limiting your consumption of these harmful substances, you can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems and promote a healthier smile. Instead, opt for tooth-friendly alternatives like crunchy fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and water to help cleanse your teeth and maintain a balanced pH level in your mouth. Additionally, practicing regular oral hygiene habits such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups can further support your efforts in preserving your dental health for years to come.
- Stop Smoking
Research shows that tobacco use harms your body in many ways. If you want healthy teeth, it’s important to avoid using tobacco because it damages your teeth and turns them black, making whitening methods less effective. Smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs, it will also harm your mouth. Cigarettes contain tiny particles that wear down your teeth quickly, causing enamel loss and breakage. Smoking can also damage your gums, increasing your risk of gum disease by 100%. It weakens your immune system, making it harder to treat gum disease and leading to infections.
Moreover, smoking slows down healing after dental procedures because it reduces blood flow to the mouth and slows blood vessel growth. This can make it impossible for dentists to perform certain treatments, like implants or bridges, due to weakened jawbones and teeth. With over 7000 harmful chemicals, including 69 cancer-causing ones, in each cigarette, smoking doesn’t just affect your teeth; it harms your overall health, too.
- Regular cleanings and whitening treatments
The best way to whiten your teeth and keep them healthy is by visiting your dentist regularly. Even with good brushing habits, plaque can build up on your teeth over time. Professional cleanings by your dentist are important because they can remove plaque in areas you might miss and use special tools to keep your teeth healthy. Regular dental check-ups are also vital for catching problems early, like misalignment or signs of conditions in your mouth. Preventative dentistry, including X-rays, can detect issues before they become serious and even help prevent other health problems like diabetes or cancer.
Your dentist can also help you whiten your teeth safely and effectively. Professional teeth whitening services are safer than home remedies, with higher concentrations of whitening ingredients for faster results. If you’re interested in professional whitening, ask your dentist for more information.
Conclusion
Achieving whiter teeth is simple with these five steps. Regular brushing and professional cleanings keep plaque at bay, while preventative dental check-ups catch issues early. Avoiding tobacco is crucial, and professional whitening services offer safe, effective results. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a brighter, healthier smile for years to come.