Are Your Teeth Really Stained?
First, you need to figure out what is causing your yellow teeth. In some cases, your teeth might have a yellow tint to them as your natural color. Not all teeth start off as bright white, and some people's natural tooth color tends to be more yellow than white. You can usually determine if this is the case for you because your teeth will all be the same color. If your teeth vary in color or shades of yellow, then they are probably stained.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
Tetracycline, an antibiotic, can cause discoloration of teeth in children, making them appear blotchy. This is more and more uncommon now, as doctors realized that prescribing the medication to children could cause this reaction. Most drinking water has fluoride added to it, which is a good thing, because it helps to prevent cavities. However, if there is too much fluoride in the water, this could cause your teeth to turn yellow too. There are also some medical conditions which will make your teeth change color.
In most cases, however, yellow teeth are caused by food, drinks, or tobacco staining the surface enamel of the tooth. Smokers almost always have yellow stained teeth, as well as people who drink large amounts of coffee. Soda and tea are also responsible. Although these are the main culprits, any type of food can stain your teeth if they are not properly brushed. Underneath your tooth enamel is a material called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellow, and as you age your tooth enamel becomes worn down, exposing the dentin. This is why some people notice a color change in their teeth as they grow older.
How to Prevent Stained, Yellow Teeth
Proper dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to prevent stained teeth. You should be brushing at least two or three times a day. Remember, the longer that a food or beverage remains in contacts with your teeth, the better chance you have of them turning yellow. Ideally, you would want to brush your teeth within an hour of eating or drinking anything that may stain them. You also need to remember to have dental cleanings at least once a year. Avoiding beverages that might stain your teeth is your best bet, but if you must have your soda, consider drinking it out of a straw and chasing it with a glass of water.
First, you need to figure out what is causing your yellow teeth. In some cases, your teeth might have a yellow tint to them as your natural color. Not all teeth start off as bright white, and some people's natural tooth color tends to be more yellow than white. You can usually determine if this is the case for you because your teeth will all be the same color. If your teeth vary in color or shades of yellow, then they are probably stained.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
Tetracycline, an antibiotic, can cause discoloration of teeth in children, making them appear blotchy. This is more and more uncommon now, as doctors realized that prescribing the medication to children could cause this reaction. Most drinking water has fluoride added to it, which is a good thing, because it helps to prevent cavities. However, if there is too much fluoride in the water, this could cause your teeth to turn yellow too. There are also some medical conditions which will make your teeth change color.
In most cases, however, yellow teeth are caused by food, drinks, or tobacco staining the surface enamel of the tooth. Smokers almost always have yellow stained teeth, as well as people who drink large amounts of coffee. Soda and tea are also responsible. Although these are the main culprits, any type of food can stain your teeth if they are not properly brushed. Underneath your tooth enamel is a material called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellow, and as you age your tooth enamel becomes worn down, exposing the dentin. This is why some people notice a color change in their teeth as they grow older.
How to Prevent Stained, Yellow Teeth
Proper dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to prevent stained teeth. You should be brushing at least two or three times a day. Remember, the longer that a food or beverage remains in contacts with your teeth, the better chance you have of them turning yellow. Ideally, you would want to brush your teeth within an hour of eating or drinking anything that may stain them. You also need to remember to have dental cleanings at least once a year. Avoiding beverages that might stain your teeth is your best bet, but if you must have your soda, consider drinking it out of a straw and chasing it with a glass of water.