There’s no denying that people with shiny white teeth have attractive smiles and seem to be more confident about smiling and chatting in general. People with yellow teeth tend to shy away from smiling and laughing and may even come across as having low self-esteem.
While yellowing teeth is commonly associated with aging, it’s not uncommon for people of all ages to develop yellow teeth. To prevent this, many people opt for the teeth whitening Mornington Peninsula dentists offer.
Prolong Your Beautiful Smile
If you’re concerned about your teeth yellowing, you may already be looking for ways to slow down the process. Fortunately, there are a few dietary changes that you can make to keep your smile white and shiny. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your diet can also help, as they naturally help remove surface stains and keep your enamel strong. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help rinse away harmful acids and food particles that contribute to yellowing.
Adopt a More Stringent Dental Routine
You may already have an existing dental routine, but it’s essential to assess how effective this routine is. It’s not just necessary to brush your teeth often and correctly, but also to use the right toothpaste.
Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using a whitening toothpaste. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush that isn’t too hard. Keep in mind that hard bristles can damage the tooth enamel. Brushing is essential if dark-staining foods and drinks are part of your daily diet.
Assess Your Toothbrush
An effective dental routine should also involve taking care of your toothbrush. Using an old, worn-out toothbrush will have weak bristles which is ineffective in removing bacteria. If you don’t clean your toothbrush correctly, bacteria can also settle in the bristles and be transferred to your mouth.
Here are the best ways to keep your toothbrush clean:
- Rinse the bristles with warm water every time you use it.
- Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide, denture cleaner, or baking soda. Do this for about three minutes.
- Clean the handle of your toothbrush to remove any bacteria.
- Always store your toothbrush upright so that the water drains off. This will reduce microorganism growth.
- Clean your toothbrush holder to remove germs, dust, and traces of dry toothpaste.
- Avoid covering your toothbrush, as a closed, damp environment will encourage bacteria to build up. If you’re traveling, use a toothbrush holder or cover with holes for airflow.
- It’s also recommended that you should change your toothbrush every three months.
Change Your Favourite Drinks
One of the biggest culprits of yellow teeth stems from the types of drinks you consume the most often. The main reason for this is that many drinks have a high acidic content. The two most common drinks that affect the colour of your teeth are black coffee and red wine. Here’s why:
- Black coffee: The rich, dark colour of coffee is the top factor that causes teeth discoloration. The acids in the coffee break down the tooth enamel and create a yellow colour. Our dental experts recommend switching a few of your coffee drinks for water, green, or black tea. Since these types of tea have a lower acid content, they are an excellent alternative. You can also opt for milk drinks or smoothies.
- Red wine: Most types of red wine will also easily stain your teeth because of the anthocyanin pigments that give the wine its rich color. These pigments adhere to your teeth and cause staining. It’s a good idea to brush your teeth after drinking your last glass of wine, to wash off any residual pigments.
Ditch the Sugary Treats and Drinks
If you have a penchant for all things sugary, then chances are you may already be dealing with several dental issues. Foods such as cakes, candies, biscuits, and fruit juices can also stain your teeth.
This can be worsened if you don’t brush your teeth afterward or not often enough. Avoiding excessive sugary treats and brushing twice daily may go a long way toward lightening your teeth. Additionally, when consuming sugary foods, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize the damage.
Reduce the Amount of Alcohol and Smoking
The number one cause of severely yellowed teeth is smoking and any other tobacco products. Smoking also causes bad breath and is the biggest enemy of your dental routine. Your dentist will also suggest that you quit smoking and drink less.
However, if this isn’t something you can see yourself doing, consider brushing your teeth immediately after drinking and smoking. It’s also a good idea to cut down on both. In fact, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can significantly enhance the overall health of your teeth and gums, making them less prone to staining.
Invest in Regular Teeth Cleaning
Sometimes regular brushing and flossing isn’t enough to keep your teeth from yellowing. This happens when a film of bacteria forms around your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned during your regular dental visits will remove this bacteria film, which instantly makes your teeth look healthier and whiter.
Final Thoughts
No matter what your current dental routine is, the good news is that you can always do something to improve it. Follow our guidelines and schedule an appointment with your dentist for guidelines tailored to your unique dental needs.
If your teeth are already yellow, then your dentist will recommend a whitening session. By combining regular dental care with lifestyle changes, you’ll be able to maintain a bright, healthy smile for years to come. You’ll have your beautiful, white smile back in no time!