Pearly white teeth can actually add a lot to your smile but if you are noticing sudden yellowing of your teeth then there can be more than one reason behind it. Yellowing of teeth can be caused due to stains, which again can be superficial or deep set. Depending on the particular reason of the yellowing you need to take the right measures to prevent it. Before we proceed to how to prevent yellowing of teeth, first let us take a close look at the reasons of it.
Improper dental hygiene
One of the primary reasons of yellowing of teeth is not maintaining a proper dental hygiene. If you are brushing and flossing your teeth twice everyday following the right processes with the help of a proper toothbrush, you should not be suffering from teeth yellowing, unless any of the below mentioned reasons are true for you. If you are suffering from yellow teeth then there is maximum chance that you are not following the right dental hygiene and you need to start taking the right care for it as soon as possible. The reasons that can cause teeth yellowing even after maintaining the right dental hygiene include,
Drinks
Tea, coffee and even wine can stain your teeth. The high tannin content of tea and the caffeine content of coffee make them ideal for causing a brown or yellow stain on your teeth. Drinks like wine, sodas and even the sports drinks can be a reason of yellowing of your teeth because the acids present in these drinks wear off the tooth enamel making the brownish dentin present under the enamel visible. So, if you are noticing yellowing of your teeth, start picking your drinks carefully and make sure to wash off your mouth properly with water right after having any drink.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking is a common cause of teeth yellowing. The nicotine of cigarette stains the teeth heavily and might be really difficult to get rid of. Teeth stains due to smoking often turns to thick brown layers that can become permanent if left untreated right in time. If you are a chain smoker, talk to your dentist to know how you can minimize the possibility of staining and yellowing of your teeth without quitting the habit altogether.
Some particular foods
Foods that contain bright artificial color can work as a reason of teeth staining over time. Colored candies, popsicles, are some of the most common foods that often cause staining of the teeth when you eat them, and as you eat more of them the yellowing or discoloration of the teeth becomes even more prominent. Even fruits like berries can stain your teeth badly. Curry and sauces might also work to give your teeth a yellowish tone.
Consumption of excess sugar
Sweets and sugars can also work as a reason for giving your teeth a yellow tone. Chocolates, ice-creams, and other sweets that are high in sugar content produces acids within the mouth and these acids wear off the white enamel of the teeth slowly. So, if you consume excess sugar and do not wash your mouth every time after you had something sweet, it might work as a reason for yellowing of your teeth.
Medications and diseases
Certain medications and diseases can also lead to yellowing of teeth. So, if you notice yellowing of your teeth when you are suffering from a health condition or you are taking a medication, it is not unusual. In such cases, inform your doctor and it might take only till you are cured or till you complete the course of the medication, to get rid of the yellow stain from your teeth.
Aging
Aging can also be a reason of teeth yellowing. With age the protective coating of the teeth breaks down making them appear yellowish. This is a natural process of the body but you can surely delay it with the right care.
Iron rich water
If your area runs water that is high in iron content, it can certainly work as a reason for staining the teeth. So, in such cases, it is best to use filtered water not only for drinking but also for washing and brushing your teeth to ensure that the water is not causing the stain on your teeth.
Having listed the primary reasons of yellowing of teeth, now let us get into how to prevent it. Read on to know how you can prevent teeth yellowing,
Maintain the right dental hygiene
To prevent yellowing of teeth maintaining the right dental hygiene is most important. As already noted brushing your teeth properly twice a day with a good tooth paste and following with flossing can give you all the benefits and keep your teeth white. Also make sure that you wash your mouth properly with iron free water every time you take some foods or drinks.
Stop the habit that is causing the yellowing
If smoking or drinking is the reason for staining of your teeth, then the best way to get rid of it is to stop the habit all together.
Here are some home remedies to help you get rid of the yellow stains from your teeth quickly but unless you remove the reason of teeth staining, these remedies might not be effective to give the expected results,
Banana peel to remove yellow teeth stains
Banana peel is one of the most common and effective home treatments for whitening the yellow teeth without harming the teeth enamel in anyway. Take a banana, eat it and use the inner part of the peel to rub your teeth. Make sure that you rub it on your teeth properly but not hard. After you have used it do not wash off. Do this twice a day and you can start seeing results within a week.
Baking soda to get rid of tobacco stains
Baking soda is another common and effective home remedies for removing yellow stains from teeth. This treatment is most effective for removing stains caused by nicotine or tannin. Take 2 spoons of baking soda in a small bowl and add sufficient water to it to make a paste. Now use this paste to rub your teeth for 4-5 minutes and then leave on for another 5 minutes before washing off with water. Repeat everyday. You can start seeing results within a week or two.
Eating apples might prevent teeth yellowing
Apples are considered to be effective in treating the yellowing of teeth. You just need to eat a crunchy apple daily and munch it properly so that the fiber rich flesh of the fruit is able to work on your teeth. The pectin content of apple might be helpful to prevent and remove teeth stains when taken regularly.
Charcoal to remove teeth stains
Charcoal is another well-known and effective home remedies that can do wonder in removing any type of stains from your teeth. Collect some fine charcoal dust and add drops of water to it to make a smooth paste. Now rub your teeth with this charcoal paste for 4-5 minutes and then wash off. Use this treatment everyday to get the best results.