Teeth are a crucial part of a person's overall appearance. Many patients seek to keep their teeth in optimal condition to boost their confidence and showcase their best smile. Today, various treatments are available to whiten teeth, along with different tips to maintain their bright and stain-free appearance.
The challenge is that in everyday life, we consume different foods and drinks that can stain our teeth, compromising oral hygiene. Therefore, here are a series of tips to help you achieve the desired whiteness of your teeth and restore a radiant smile.
How to Whiten Yellow Teeth?
Naturally, teeth are not perfectly white; they usually have a slight yellow tint, which is normal. However, a tooth is considered stained when this shade becomes darker than usual and lacks the bright white hue. Teeth can exhibit different shades, which dentists categorize with letters, such as A for reddish-brown, B for reddish-yellow, C for gray, and D for reddish-gray. Most people have a shade like A3, characterized by a predominance of white.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
Teeth have an outer layer called enamel, a hard substance that contains minerals and protects the teeth. Factors affecting tooth color include medical conditions or poor oral hygiene, such as bruxism or the consumption of acidic foods.
Excessive use of fluoride-containing products or improper cleaning techniques can weaken the enamel, dulling the natural shine and leading to yellow discoloration. Brushing too hard, consuming alcohol regularly, or drinking highly staining beverages like coffee can also cause stains, indicating poor oral hygiene.
How to Make Yellow Teeth White Again?
Smoking and drinking alcohol are among the most harmful habits for oral health. Tar and various compounds in alcohol weaken the teeth, causing stains. Reducing or eliminating these habits can significantly help restore your teeth's natural color.
The best tips for achieving white teeth are straightforward but require consistency. As you incorporate these steps, you'll notice improvements in your dental health and a reduction in stains.
Avoid Acidic and Dark Foods
Some beverages, such as red wine, tea, and coffee, are frequently consumed daily and can stain the enamel red or yellow. Dark cola beverages also pose a constant threat to dental hygiene, as they not only stain but can also cause significant damage.
Certain foods, like beets, can also stain teeth, especially if consumed frequently. Similarly, sauces like ketchup and soy sauce, with their high sodium content and colorants, can alter tooth color. However, preventive measures can be taken to avoid stains from these less invasive substances compared to alcohol and cigarettes.
Regular Oral Hygiene
Removing tartar and dental plaque is achievable with consistent oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after each meal is essential, preventing foods like beets from staining them.
Whitening Foods
Milk, aside from being an excellent source of calcium for teeth maintenance, also helps eliminate stains. Foods like apples, celery, and strawberries contain enzymes that break down bacteria on the teeth, helping keep them white and stain-free.
Gentle Brushing
Many patients mistakenly brush their teeth too hard, causing enamel wear. Proper brushing involves gentle, wrist-movement techniques that allow the bristles to reach all areas of the teeth.
Using Mouthwashes
Sometimes, brushing alone isn't enough. Using mouthwashes with low fluoride content can eliminate bacteria or staining substances that enter the mouth. For instance, using mouthwash after drinking coffee can help prevent stains. Additionally, natural mouthwashes like apple cider vinegar can whiten teeth, but they should be used sparingly due to their acidic nature.
Dental Floss and Other Tools Against Bacteria
Effectively removing bacteria or food particles left on the teeth is crucial. Using dental floss properly helps eliminate stains caused by bacteria or food. The tongue, a major reservoir of bacteria, especially tends to retain them overnight. Therefore, cleaning the tongue thoroughly upon waking is recommended.
How to Achieve Very White Teeth?
When stains dominate or yellowing becomes very noticeable, and natural treatments are no longer effective, professional teeth whitening is the best solution. Dental whitening procedures are generally painless and often require only a few sessions, depending on the extent of the stains. The result is bright, white teeth. However, following the tips provided above is crucial to maintaining a stain-free smile for a long time after the treatment.