Expert explains how to avoid yellow teeth as dentist said there is one common mistake

When we look in the mirror, if we're honest with ourselves, many of us wish we had a whiter smile.

Thanks to the incredibly unrealistic beauty standards pushed by celebrities and social media, we're increasingly self-conscious about our gnashers - with many going under the knife for that perfect smile.

But what if I were to tell you that there was a way to do this naturally, at home, without having to fly out to Turkey for a cut-price deal?

Dentistry and health expert Dr Shaadi Manouchehri, known as @dr.shaadi.manouchehri on social media, posted a video on Instagram about many of the bad habits we all have, which could result in darker, stained teeth that will have you sporting a yellow tinge.

And there is one big mistake millions of us apparently make every day.

Have your teeth seen better days? (Getty Stock Images)

Major dental mistake people make

It's long been debated as to whether you're supposed to brush your teeth first thing in the morning or wait until you've had breakfast.

Well, according to Dr Manouchehri, it's really quite simple but people still get it wrong.

In a post to TikTok, she warned her followers: "You should never brush straight after breakfast.

"This is when you have just eaten, your mouth is in a very acidic state and if you brush your teeth you are rubbing that acid on the tooth, which is a mineral, and it can wear it down."

The dental expert also pointed out that you should never scrub them right after vomiting - due to the incredibly toxic substances you've just pulled up - or within an hour of scoffing some sweets.

If you've been guilty of skipping brushing your teeth before bed or after an acidic drink don't worry as, according to Regenerate Enamel Science, there are several ways you can avoid or rescue discoloured teeth.

What can you do for a whiter smile?

Specialised toothpastes

Of course, not every product in the supermarket that claims to give you a Hollywood smile in a matter of days will work as advertised, but it's likely they may be able help.

It's also worth looking for a toothpaste that combines ingredients such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, as bleaching agents can help improve the appearance of yellow teeth.

However, make sure you don't overdo it as excessive use can also damage your teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, hydrogen peroxide should not exceed a concentration of 3.6 percent, while Colgate states that a percentage between three and six is safe for use.

Whitening strips and trays have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years as a quick-fix method, however, it's important to use them sparingly.

Toothpaste containing charcoal can also be beneficial but, like whitening strips, it's important that you don't overuse it as it can end up damaging your enamel.

Foods to avoid

Coffee and milky tea are, of course, major offenders in staining your teeth. However, they're not the only food and drink which can cause your teeth to develop a yellow appearance.

Fizzy drinks, citrus fruit drinks and red wine can also cause staining due to their sugary and/or acidic nature - which is abrasive to your teeth.

Foods such as curry, tomato-based sauces and berries can also cause erosion to your enamel.

We're not suggesting you live off a diet of just water and plain vegetables - that would be miserable - but the key thing to remember with any food is moderation.

Don't overdo the sugary foods, maintain good dental health and throw in the occasional use of hydrogen peroxide toothpaste and your teeth will most likely be fine.