There is nothing quite like the confidence that a bright, white smile gives you. Here are some top tips to preventing yellow teeth.
1. Brush properly
The best way to achieve beautiful pearly whites is by having a proper dental hygiene routine. It’s important that you brush, not only twice daily, but for a full two minutes each brush. We suggest using an electric toothbrush with soft bristles as it is much more effective than a regular toothbrush.
Flossing is also an important part of your cleaning routine that some people tend to neglect. Flossing helps reach parts of the teeth that the brushing cannot reach and gets rid of little bits of food, to give you an overall brighter smile. Using a water flosser or air floss is a great alternative to help get rid of food accumulated between your teeth.
2. Gargle with saltwater
As an alternative to mouth wash, we suggest gargling your mouth with warm saltwater. This works best to clean your mouth and teeth, while remaining gentle on the oral tissues.
3. Less coffee, more water
As much of a staple coffee is for most people every morning, it’s known to be a culprit for yellow teeth. Dark pigments in coffee, called chromogens, stick to the tooth enamel surface and can cause the teeth to darken over time.
But if you’re not too keen to cut down on your coffees, there are some simple ways to reduce the risks of it causing stained teeth.
One way is to dilute the coffee with milk to reduce the effects of the dark pigments (plus, milk is a great source of calcium which strengthens your teeth!)
Another way is to sip water after you’ve finished your coffee. This rinses your mouth out a little, until it’s time to brush your teeth next.
On that note, drinking water is a great, easy way to prevent yellow teeth. It’s a no-brainer that drinking plenty of water is vital to improve your overall health, and you may have noticed that it’s (pretty much) the only drink that doesn’t have a negative effect on your teeth. Acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, energy drinks and alcohol, have high levels of sugar and acid, which can soften the tooth enamel and make the teeth more prone to stains.
Sipping water in between bites of food, and drinking a glass after each meal, are also beneficial for rinsing out the mouth before you’re ready to brush your teeth next (which leaves you with a brighter smile before you clean your teeth properly).
4. Visit your dentist regularly
Yellow teeth may also be a sign of tooth trauma or other serious issues. It’s very important to visit your dentist every six months, as recommended, but even more often if you have any concerns, such as seriously stained teeth.
However, your yellow teeth could also just be a hygiene concern. And if so, regular professional teeth cleaning and/or whitening will be a necessary, easy fix.
To book an appointment at Maryborough Dental, speak to one of our friendly team members on (07) 4122 2110 or book here.
