Do you feel self-conscious about yellow teeth? You’re probably wondering what has caused your teeth to change from white to dull. In this blog post, we discuss common causes of tooth discoloration.
- Poor Preventive Dental Care
- Coffee, Tea, Wine & Soda
- Smoking & Tobacco
- Wear & Tear
- Genetics
If you don’t brush your teeth and floss every day, your teeth will gradually turn yellow. This occurs because of the buildup of plaque, tartar, and other superficial stains. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss every day, and visit Ballston Dental Care every six months for professional cleanings and checkups.
Drinks like coffee, red wine, and black tea can stain your teeth. This is because the liquid contains dark pigments called tannins that stick to the enamel. Acidic and sugary drinks like soda slowly erode your enamel, which exposes the underlying yellow dentin. Limit your consumption of these beverages. When you do drink them, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward so the particles are less likely to stick to your teeth.
You should give up cigarettes and other tobacco products for the sake of both of your oral health and your overall health. The tar and nicotine from tobacco can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, and cancer. Tobacco also impairs blood flow and dampens your immune system. Therefore, you’ll suffer from prolonged healing times and a decreased ability to fight off infection, including gum disease.
As you age, your enamel naturally wears down to expose more of the yellow dentin layer. The dentin layer can also become darker as you age. You will experience additional wear and tear on your enamel if you struggle with chronic teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. If you grind your teeth at night, consult with our team about getting a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your teeth from wearing down prematurely.
Some people are born with a thin enamel layer, while others develop thicker enamel. Your enamel thickness can make a difference in the appearance of your teeth as you age. So if you have a thin enamel layer, your dentin layer is more readily apparent and can give your teeth a yellow hue.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Arlington, VA
If you are looking to safely and effectively whiten your teeth, consider getting professional teeth whitening. At Ballston Dental Care, we can give you whiter teeth in just one visit using deep bleaching and custom whitening trays. We can also provide guidance on how to decrease your risk of future discoloration.
Please contact us today if you have any questions about preventive dental care or want to schedule your whitening consultation.
