Dr KellyYellowing teeth is not necessarily a sign of bad oral hygiene. It’s no wonder that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options. Many people even suffer low self-esteem because of the color of their teeth. They even go to the extent of undergoing expensive procedures to whiten their teeth, just to boost their self-image.
The good news, however, is that you don’t have to break the bank to whiten your teeth. While tooth-whitening kits are readily available at most pharmacies, there are many natural remedies that can help remove stains and protect the teeth.
What causes yellow stained teeth?
1.Tobacco: Discoloration of teeth can be caused by a build-up of surface stains acquired from using tobacco products. The teeth have pores just like your skin; so, it easily absorbs tobacco into these pores causing a yellow or brown discolouration.
2.Food : Consuming certain foods or drinks like,Coffee, Tea, Tomatoes, wines, dark cola, energy drinks , sweets/candy some starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes, can create conditions that cause staining.
3. Age: The tooth has 5 layers and as you age the outer enamel of the tooth starts to wear off exposing the second layer of the tooth (Dentin) which is the yellowish part of the tooth that contains calcified tissues.
For discolouration caused by Enamel loss, the dentist may recommend covering the tooth with a crown or veneer. The crown may protect the tooth from further decay while discolouration caused by food substances is usually treated with regular cleaning and natural whitening remedies listed below.
1. Don’t underestimate the value of brushing and flossing:
Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque. Regular dental cleaning can help your teeth stay clean and white.
2. Brush with baking soda:
It’s a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing.
3. . Use hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is naturally a bleaching agent and helps kill bacteria, many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use. Heavily diluted concentrations appear safe but strong concentrations can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
4. Eat fruits and vegetables:
Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew. Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that have been claimed to help whiten your teeth.
5. Get plenty of calcium in your diet:
Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and broccoli, may help protect your teeth from enamel erosion. Strengthening the enamel of your teeth will help keep your teeth pearly white.
6.Use Mouthwash :
Mouthwash is great for reducing bacteria buildup and freshening up your breath. On top of that, it can improve the appearance of your teeth.
Most of these remedies work by gently removing surface stains on your teeth. However, if you don’t get your desired effect, there are whitening treatments available to use. They involve bleaching the teeth, which may be more effective for severe tooth discoloration. Overuse of any whitening product can damage your teeth .Always check with your dentist about your options and which would work best for you. Let’s normalise dental consultation by visiting our dentist at least twice in a year to know the health status of our tooth.
Other common tooth problems include;
Toothache: A toothache or
tooth pain happens when the nerve in the root of a tooth or its surroundings is irritated. It could be dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth or pain after a tooth extraction.
Tooth cavities:
These are little holes in your teeth. You get them when a bacteria plaque builds up on your teeth, slowly destroying the hard outer shell, called enamel.To prevent it, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, limit snacks; and floss daily.
Chipped tooth:
An accident can cause a chip. So can something much less dramatic, like chewing popcorn. Your dentist may recommend a crown for the chipped area.
Sensitive to Cold:
When cold from an ice cream hits your teeth. The first step is to find the cause. It could be cavities, worn out tooth enamel or fillings, gum disease, fractured teeth, or exposed roots.
Wisdom tooth:
Most people have at least one wisdom tooth that’s impacted, or not fully grown out causing gum disease or cavities. If they become a problem, you may need to get them removed.
Bleeding gum:
Causes; Vitamin c or k deficiency, Gum infection, Brushing too hard, bleeding disorders or blood cancer ( leukemia)
Thank you for Reading
Dr Kelly
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