Many times you try to hide your smile due to your discolour, yellowing teeth? If yes, you should figure out why this is happening rather than keeping your mouth close. All of us desire teeth that shine bright and white, but we also tend to neglect our oral hygiene routine, eat sugary and acidic foods whenever we can, and smoke cigarettes without hesitation.
Not only yellow teeth, but also gum diseases, bad breath, tooth decay, inflammation, and teeth discolouration are all risks increase by these habits and other oral health blunders.
2YoDoINDIA got in touch with Dr Sayona Swati Das, who is BDS, Certificate in Implantology (ICOI, New York), Dentist, Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist, Implantologist. at Emerald Dental, to find out all the causes of yellow teeth because finding the cause can help you remove the problem from its root.
Major causes of Yellow Teeth
Plaque Buildup
Plaque buildup is likely if you practise poor dental hygiene and don’t frequently brush, floss, or rinse your mouth.
Bacteria in plaque can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
So, bigger issues develop if plaque is allow to remain on your teeth and turns into tartar.
Tartar is a hard yellowish crust, often known as calculus, that develops both below and above the gum line.
It may be avoid by following proper oral hygiene.
Tea and Coffee
Daily consumption of highly colour beverages such as tea, coffee, carbonate sodas, wines, and even green tea can stain your teeth.
These substances might even cause long term teeth discoloration if they penetrate the enamel.
Try to restrict the amount of these drinks you consume, and if you do, make sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water.
Brush your teeth twice daily as well.
Sugary and Starchy Foods
Along with beverages, some foods, such as apples, potatoes, pasta, berries, tomatoes, etc., can stick to the teeth and leave behind stains that can turn the teeth yellow, brown, green, or orange.
Even salads with vinegar dressing have the potential to leave stains.
Reduce your intake of these foods or other extremely acidic foods and beverages to prevent it and protect your enamel.
Ageing
One more cause of yellow teeth is ageing because as people age, their teeth’s enamel thins out from normal wear and tear, exposing the dentin’s natural yellow colour.
This can happen more quickly if the teeth suffer trauma as cause by fall, blow or shock.
Smoking
The majority of people are aware that smoking is detrimental to their health, it is equally harmful to your dental health too.
Dr Sayona Swati Das says :
“Smoking, pan masala, tobacco, etc. include nicotine and tar that leave teeth with stains that are difficult to remove and can cause yellow teeth.”
They can also lead to gum diseases and mouth cancers in some cases.
Quit consuming all these harmful substances for the sake of your dental health.
Diseases
Diseases that damage the enamel and dentin, including jaundice, are a less known cause of yellow teeth.
Certain illnesses or infection during pregnancy might impair the development of the baby’s enamel and result in discoloration.
Yellow or discolour teeth might also appear in head and neck cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.
In this case, discoloration is more of a brownish colour.
Medication
Teeth discoloration is a known side effect of many antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
Using tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy can also cause yellow teeth.
If a medicine has cause an unpleasant reaction in you, talk to your doctor.
