Top 4 Causes of Yellowing Teeth

Perhaps, you’ve noticed a few photographs where your teeth appear off-color or maybe you’ve started noticing your teeth yellowing ever so slightly. If you’re wondering what may have caused this, read on.

Aging:

With age, most people will notice their teeth starting to discolor. Family history and genetic factors could also contribute to this. As you start to age, your teeth will have more dentin, which, in turn, causes your pulp to diminish. This gives your teeth a yellow tinge.

Diet:

Dark curries, sauces, and black coffee can stain your teeth if you consume these foods excessively since they contain tannins. The residue of these food products stick to your teeth and tarnish the enamel. Fizzy drinks and soda can also contribute to teeth discoloration.

Enamel thinning:

Over time, your enamel layer may start to thin due to chewing. This makes the yellow dentin more visible, thus making your teeth look slightly yellow.

Smoking:

Nicotine is not just bad for your health, but can also cause your teeth to yellow. The tar in cigarettes can even lead to mouth cancers and gum diseases.

Tips for Getting Rid of Teeth Discoloration

Now that you know the four primary causes of yellowing teeth, let’s look at a few ways you can remedy this.

Brush more often:

The easiest way to correct teeth discoloration is by brushing more often. It’s especially important to brush your teeth after you have your meals. If you can’t do this, try to at least brush twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes each time.

Eat vegetables and fruits:

A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits is great for your teeth (and your general health). Chewing on crunchy vegetables and fruits can remove plaque build-up quite efficiently.

Use baking soda:

Baking soda could also help you whiten your teeth. Its mild abrasive quality will help you scrub away the stains on your teeth. This is, of course, not an overnight remedy, but will show results when used for some time.

While these are a few things you can do at home to reduce the discoloration, make sure to consult your dentist before putting these tips into effect. It’s also important to schedule regular dental cleanings, so you can keep your teeth looking white and clean.