Dentist shares six daily mistakes people make that cause their teeth to go yellow
Maintaining a set of pearly whites can be hard work, even if you are putting your all into dental hygiene.
Despite brushing twice a day, flossing and attending check-ups regularly, your gnashers still might not look the part - which is quite the kick in the teeth, pardon the pun.
But it turns out that a lot of people are actually counteracting their efforts to achieve a dazzling white smile by committing cardinal mistakes on a daily basis.
Experts at the Glenhuntly Dental Clinic have shared some advice for people, as they explained that loads of patients 'unknowingly engage in daily habits that contribute to yellowing teeth'.
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The Australian dentistry reckons that there are half a number of key errors that people make, which leave their teeth sporting an unfortunate hue.
Why are my teeth yellow?
It seems a lot of folks don't realise that several lifestyle factors can have an impact on our teeth.
Drinking staining beverages
Your yellowing might not be down to having poor oral health - as the Glenhuntly dentists pointed out that drinking stain-worthy beverages will cause the colouring of your teeth to change.
"Coffee, tea, red wine, and soft drinks contain pigments that stick to enamel, leading to discolouration," it says. "Without proper cleaning, these stains become harder to remove over time."
So, act sooner rather than later if any of your tipples have left a mark.
Not drinking enough H2O
Talking of drinks, swerving water for other types of refreshments is shooting yourself in the foot, the dentists say.
"Water is essential for oral health," they explain. "It helps wash away food particles and bacteria that cause staining. A dry mouth, often caused by dehydration, increases the risk of yellowing teeth."
Eating acidic foods
Shovelling down sugary and acidic foods - such as citrus fruits, vinegar, and processed snacks - also has a knock-on effect on your gnashers.
Again, these items make your teeth 'more vulnerable to staining', so you might want to define your diet if you're wanting to acquire a bright white smile.
The dental experts at Glenhuntly recommend following a 'diet rich in calcium and low in sugar' to protect your enamel and keep your teeth white.
Overbrushing
They went on to warn that 'over brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush' will weaken your enamel over time, 'exposing the yellowish dentin underneath'.
So although you want to clean your teeth thoroughly, don't take it too far. Opt for a gentle technique rather than frantically scrubbing them.
Forfeiting flossing
Skipping flossing is also a big no-go if you want a stunning white smile.
The dentists explain that the food and plaque that remains trapped between your teeth also contributes to staining - so shift that 'hidden debris', follow the rest of the rules and hopefully, you'll have a set of white teeth that are worthy of starring in a toothpaste advert.
Smoking and tobacco use
While this may not apply to everyone, smoking and using products containing tobacco can also contribute to the yellowing of your teeth, as the nicotine and tar in them can also 'cause deep staining', the experts explain.
This habit also weakens your enamel, which makes your teeth more prone to discolouration and decay. If you needed another reason to stop smoking, that might just be it.
How to prevent yellow stains on teeth
To maintain a white and healthy smile, the experts recommend using a straw when drinking straining beverages, rinsing your mouth with water after eating any red-flag foods, brushing and flossing daily, ditching tobacco and attending regular check-ups.
Topics: Health, Food And Drink, Lifestyle
Olivia Burke