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Why Are My Teeth Yellow?
Teeth shades are naturally very diverse, and that is largely because of normal variants in enamel hues and thickness. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, and directly beneath it is a yellow layer called dentin. On one hand, some individuals may have thick, white enamel. On the other hand, some individuals may have enamel that is thinner and more translucent, which exposes the yellow dentin layer.
So, don’t fret if your teeth aren’t perfectly pearly-white! Naturally yellowish teeth may just be a result of your genetics, which determines the hue or thickness of the enamel you are born with. Other factors like age also contribute to the color of our teeth. (As we age, enamel slowly wears off to reveal dentin).
However, there are unnatural causes of yellow teeth that should be avoided. Keep scrolling to read more about it! We’ve also listed what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to teeth whitening, regardless of if you are trying to brighten naturally or unnaturally yellow teeth.
Causes of Yellow Teeth
By CA Creative on Unsplash
Staining agents contain chemical compounds like chromogen or tannin that can discolor teeth. Aside from this, certain staining agents can cause a layer called the pellicle to form on top of the enamel. If the pellicle stays on top of your teeth for too long, a stain forms.
By Food Photographer on Unsplash
Unfortunately, some food and drinks we consume are staining agents.
While you don’t need to stop eating or drinking them completely, you might want to cut down on food with soy sauce, tomato-based sauces, or balsamic vinegar and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine.
Acidic food and drinks are also considered staining agents, but they work a bit differently from the food and drinks mentioned above. Acidic food and drinks can wear down your teeth’ enamel, further exposing the yellow dentin layer underneath. Dark soda is an example of this. In fact, aside from being acidic, dark soda also contains colored pigments that can contribute to yellow teeth. Double trouble!
Aside from watching what you eat and drink, smoking should also be avoided. Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine that are very harmful for your teeth. Studies have shown that the extent of stain formation is actually correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
How To Not Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
1.) Basic Oral Hygiene
You might be thinking, “I brush my teeth twice a day, I floss daily, and even use antibacterial mouthwash! Why are my teeth still yellow?” Well, we’re sorry to break it to you, but practicing good oral hygiene isn’t enough to actively whiten teeth. That doesn’t mean that you should stop brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash! While your teeth won’t become whiter, good oral hygiene can help prevent any further staining from happening.
Aside from this, good oral hygiene is necessary to remove dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms over the teeth. It can damage your teeth and gums, primarily by causing tooth decay.
How To Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
1.) Leveling Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Substituting or adding teeth whitening products to your regular oral hygiene routine is an effective and easy way to get rid of yellow teeth! I recommend using activated charcoal toothpaste, like the HiWhite Charcoal Toothpaste, which is available in three different flavors – Black Mint, Coco Mint, and Licorice Mint.
2.) Visiting a Professional – Teeth Whitening in Manila
This is the best way to get rid of yellow teeth. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months for teeth cleaning and a general checkup of your oral health. Aside from visiting the dentist, make sure to go to the best spot for teeth whitening in Manila: The Smile Bar! The Smile Bar is a teeth whitening salon that uses state-of-the-art, patented technology to turn teeth 2 to 9 shades lighter in as fast as 20 minutes!
The Smile Bar – Uptown Parade BGC
Address: 2/f Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue, corner 36th St, Taguig
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Telephone: 02 8541 2853
Instagram: @ thesmilebarph
The Smile Bar – Ayala Malls, Vertis North
Address: 4/f, Cinema level, Ayala Mall, Vertis North 173, Quezon City
Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
Telephone: 0917 590 0792
Instagram: @ thesmilebarph
