White teeth are often considered a sign of beauty and many believe that a man’s smile is a decisive factor in his social status.
Many things can affect the color of teeth, turning it a yellowish tinge, which can make some people feel ashamed of their appearance, hesitant to smile and gradually losing self-confidence.
Some people are born with teeth that appear yellower or whiter because of the thickness of enamel. Enamel is semi-translucent, so if it is thin, it is the natural yellowish color of dentin (the dense tissue that lies beneath the enamel) that will show through. Unfortunately, there is no way to increase the thickness of enamel, but you can prevent it from thinning.
Dark-colored foods and drinks, including red wine, cola, chocolate, balsamic vinegar and certain sauces – such as soy sauce, spaghetti sauce and curry sauce, can discolor teeth. Even some fruits and vegetables – such as grapes, blueberries, cherries, beetroot and pomegranates have the potential to stain teeth. These foods are rich in chromogens, pigment-producing substances that can stick to tooth enamel.
The acidity of some foods and beverages can promote staining by eroding enamel, making it easier for pigments to attach to teeth. Tannin, a bitter compound found in wine and tea, helps chromogens attach to tooth enamel, eventually leading to staining.
Another cause of yellowing teeth is smoking as well as chewing tobacco. These vicious habits can affect the color of your teeth, leading to unsightly stains on their surface.
Improper brushing and not flossing or using a mouth irrigator to remove plaque and stain-causing substances can cause discoloration.
Neglecting the care of your teeth can also allow acid buildup, which can lead to thinning of the enamel, allowing yellower dentin to show through. This is why oral hygiene is so important, helping to keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible. Brush regularly with a fluoride-based toothpaste and visit your dentist at least once every 6 months.
A number of common medications used to fight disease can also cause tooth discoloration.
For example, the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when they enter the bodies of developing children.
Minocycline, a derivative of tetracycline, often prescribed against acne, can also cause tooth discoloration.
Antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs and blood pressure medications, as well as chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck can lead to staining on the surface of teeth.
The best way to prevent teeth yellowing is to pay attention to what you eat and drink, in addition to avoiding smoking.
In addition, it is necessary to have good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth properly twice a day.
It is also useful to rinse your mouth after eating foods that might stain, if brushing is not possible.
If the color of your teeth is not what you want, there are many treatments that can be carried out in the dental surgery, giving you a bright white smile.
