Yellow teeth can interfere with appearance and make self-confidence decrease. Therefore, you need to identify the causes of yellow teeth and how to overcome them, so that the appearance of your teeth can look beautiful again when you smile.
There are various causes of yellow teeth. However, age also contributes to tooth discoloration. The reason is, as we age, the white layer of tooth enamel gets thinner, making the yellow dentin layer more visible.
The layer of tooth enamel will also be easier to thin if you often eat certain foods and drinks, smoke, and do not take good care of your teeth.
Causes of Yellow Teeth
The content of chromogens or dyes in food and beverages is one of the main causes of yellow teeth. These dyes can cause stains on the tooth enamel. Likewise with the acidity of foods and beverages, because high acid levels can erode the coating.
For more details, here are some things that can cause discoloration of the teeth, including triggering yellow teeth:
1. Coffee and tuh black
Coffee and black tea can be the cause of yellow teeth because both of these drinks contain high chromogen. Chromogen is a dye that can leave stains on tooth enamel, thus making the white color of tooth enamel covered.
In addition, coffee is also high in tannins and acids, so its consumption can affect the color of your teeth. The reason is, tannins can leave stains on teeth while acids make the absorption of tannins easier.
2. Wine
Wine also includes drinks that contain chromogen, so its consumption can increase the risk of yellowing teeth. Wine also contains tannins, which can trigger tooth stains.
3. Beveragessoda
Dark colored fizzy drinks are acidic and rich in chromogens, so their consumption can yellow teeth. Apart from carbonated drinks, energy drinks can also cause yellow teeth.
A study shows that energy drinks have a high acidity, so their consumption can erode tooth enamel.
4. Colored fruit concentrated
Consume fruits with dark colors, such as blueberries, tomato, blackberry, cranberries, cherries, grapes, and pomegranates can leave stains on teeth. The reason is, the color pigments and organic particles in these fruits can enter the pores of the tooth enamel and stick there, causing the teeth to turn yellow.
This risk does not only apply when you consume the fruit directly, but also when consuming processed foods or drinks from these fruits.
5. Candy
Various types of candy with artificial coloring, especially dark colors, can cause light stains on the teeth, especially if consumed regularly.
Signs of candy that is consumed can leave stains or not is to see the color left on the tongue after we eat it. If there is, chances are the candy will also leave stains on the teeth.
6. Tobacco
Smoking can cause stains on teeth. Not only by sucking, chewing tobacco also has the same effect on the teeth.
How to Prevent Yellow teeth
Some of the ways to prevent yellow teeth below you can do to prevent the formation of stains on teeth:
- Reduce consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks.
- Use a straw when consuming juices, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, iced tea, and iced coffee.
- Consume water after eating and drinking.
- Consume milk after consuming acidic foods and drinks, because milk can neutralize it.
- Gargle immediately after eating or drinking.
- Chew sugarless gum, if gargling isn't possible, to lift the stain.
- Brush your teeth and do flossing after eating.
How to Overcome Yellow Teeth
If tooth discoloration has occurred, there are several actions that can be taken to help whiten yellowed teeth. The trick is to:
1. Brushing teeth
The habit of brushing your teeth regularly for 2 minutes, especially after consuming foods and drinks that trigger yellow teeth, can help overcome the problem of yellow teeth.
To help whiten your teeth, it is recommended that you use whitening toothpaste at least 1-2 times a week in addition to using fluoride toothpaste.
After brushing your teeth, clean the remaining food between the teeth left behind using dental floss. For maximum results, rinse with mouthwash.
2. Utilizing natural ingredients as teeth whitener
You can use natural ingredients that you have at home to whiten yellowed teeth. One of the ingredients that can be used is baking soda or baking soda. Baking soda can not only reduce plaque and bacteria that stick to your teeth, but it can also whiten your teeth.
You can use baking soda as toothpaste and use it every 2 weeks. The method is also easy, you just need to mix baking soda with water and stir until it becomes a paste.
Then, dip your toothbrush in it and brush your teeth with baking soda paste for 1 minute. When finished, rinse your mouth with water until it's completely clean.
3. Consume fruits and vegetables high in water
To help remove stains on your teeth, you are advised to eat fruits and vegetables that contain lots of water. Fruits and vegetables with high water content can help clean teeth from plaque and bacteria that cause yellowing of teeth.
4. Visit the dentist
If the natural way has been done but the appearance of the teeth is still yellow, visit the dentist. Your dentist will recommend several treatments that can make your teeth look whiter. One of which is teeth whitening. This treatment gives more satisfying results than dental treatment at home.
Yellow teeth can be triggered by certain habits so to prevent it and overcome it, you need to avoid the triggers and maintain good dental health. Then, check your teeth to the dentist regularly, which is every 6 months.