Yellowing of teeth:causes and prevention

      YELLOWING OF TEETH: CAUSES AND                            PREVENTION

While many individuals have very light or whiter shades in their teeth, others have a naturally occurring yellowish tint to their teeth. You will be pleased to know that aside from costly teeth whitening procedures, there are other steps you can take to get (and keep) those gorgeous teeth you have always dreamed of.

 Reasons for this change include:

1.Hereditary conditions

2.Illness (eg..hyperbilirubinemia)

3.Excessive intake of fluoride

4.Certain medication ingested before eight years of age.

5.Trauma

 6.Sometimes root-canal procedure.

7.Extrinisic stains involve a color change either directly on the enamel, or through cracks and fissures on the tooth surface. Stains can be caused by the following:

•       Acidic foods and drinks

•       Tobacco smoking or chewing

•      Poor dental hygiene leading to the formation of tartar and plaque, which in turn makes it easier for stains to accumulate from foods, drinks or tobacco

• Iron supplements

• Dental materials

•   Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride

•     Medications that may include antihistamines, antipsychotics, and those used to control high blood pressure

•  Excessive intake of fluoride

FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:

Following foods are known to cause our teeth to yellow faster:

• Coffee and Tea
• Red Wine
• Berries
• Curries
• Soft Drinks
  
  

REMEDIES:

You have some happy news. Although these foods can damage our teeth, it is not necessary to completely avoid them. Here are some tips to be followed for a brighter smile:

• Cool off hot beverages before drinking

Cooling prevents the micro fractures on your tooth's surface and minimize the damage caused by the dark liquid.

• Rinse your mouth immediately after food

It is not of much help but reduces the damage that is caused by foods like coffee, red wine, curries.

•    Use a straw while drinking soft drinks

Using a straw will prevent exposure of the drink to the teeth. Make sure you also rinse your mouth with water after drinking a sugary drink.

PREVENTION:

Regular brushing and flossing is the key point in prevention as they help to remove the build up of staining foods or drinks. Also avoid as many of the extrinsic causes of stains as possible.  Dental professionals have many options available, including bleaching and/or non-bleaching agents, as well as bonding and veneers.

Other related posts are:

BASICS ABOUT BRUSHING
Remineralize Teeth; How To Remineralize Teeth Naturally
Does Dental Problems Causes Heart Problems?
Does Chewing Gum Make Health Problems?