Why Teeth Yellow and What You Can Do About It

Jun 24th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

One of the most common aesthetic complaints that patients have regarding their smile is the color of their teeth. We are used to seeing celebrities and TV actors with perfect, pearly white smiles and come to expect that our own smiles should look the same way. It makes sense then that patients feel frustrated by the yellowing of their teeth and wonder what they can do to fix it.

What Causes Teeth To Yellow

The truth is that we will all experience yellowing teeth as part of the natural aging process. Some people experience it more than others, but none the less, it’s not an uncommon condition. As we age, the outer protective layer of our teeth, the enamel, thins and becomes more translucent. The inner, living layer of our teeth, the dentin, also diminishes with time and has a tendency to yellow with age. Both the thinning of enamel and the shrinking and yellowing of the dentin are what cause teeth to appear yellow as we get older.

What You Can Do To Prevent Yellow Teeth

As we discussed above, there are two layers of the teeth: enamel and dentin. Your teeth’s enamel can become discolored and stained; this is called extrinsic discoloration, while intrinsic discoloration is related to aging dentin. Preventing yellow teeth needs to be addressed both extrinsically and intrinsically.

Addressing the discoloration of tooth enamel is fairly easy. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your enamel from becoming stained and yellow in color:

-Stop smoking

-Cut back or eliminate acidic and dark colored beverages (coffee, soda, wine, tea)

-Maintain a good oral health routine, including flossing to remove plaque build up

-Drink water after eating brightly colored fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, etc.

-Use OTC whitening products

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for correcting discoloration of dentin. This living tissue is prone to the aging process. You can, however, take steps to prevent premature aging. Here’s how:

-Treat bruxism (teeth grinding) which can cause your enamel and dentin to wear and age at an accelerated rate

-Protect teeth from trauma by wearing a mouth guard when playing sports

-Nourish your body with a healthy diet and manage stress

If you are concerned with the color of your teeth, have your dentist determine if the discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic. There are many whitening solutions that can help address extrinsic discoloration and restore a brighter smile. In the case that your discoloration is caused by intrinsic factors, don’t despair. Take steps now to make sure it doesn’t become worse and that you aren’t doing anything to cause premature aging of your teeth.

Do you want to have a brighter and whiter smile? Contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation to see how we can help you get the smile you deserve!

 

 

The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Jun 7th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

plaque buildup before and afterYou may have heard mention of the terms plaque and tartar when discussing dental care. You may have even heard the terms used interchangeably and because of that, you assumed that they were the same thing. The truth is that there is a difference between these terms and what they mean for your oral health. Let’s take a look.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is the sticky, colorless residue that builds up on your teeth and around the gum line. This sticky substance is constantly forming on your teeth and is made up of food particles, saliva, and sugar. When plaque builds up it will contribute to the grimy or gritty feeling you get on your teeth in between brushing. Even after brushing and flossing, plaque will begin to form on your teeth within hours.

What is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as Calculus, is simply built up plaque that has hardened over time. It is typically yellow in color and very hard and porous. When plaque has not been properly removed from the teeth, it turns into this stubborn, hard to remove substance. The only way to remove tartar is to visit your dentist and have him/her remove it for you using dental instruments. Tartar that is untreated puts you at higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How Can I Prevent Plaque and Tartar?

The best way to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums is to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. Brushing will remove plaque on the surface of the teeth; however, floss is needed to remove plaque buildup between the teeth and around the gum line. You should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings every six months.

If you have tooth crowding and find that even with brushing and flossing you still have a significant amount of plaque buildup between dental cleanings, you should consider visiting an orthodontist. Crooked or crowded teeth can make keeping your teeth plaque-free even more challenging. An orthodontist will be able to recommend a plan of action to straighten and fix the crowding of your teeth.

Follow these tips to prevent plaque from turning into tartar. If you’re due for a professional teeth cleaning, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Whether you have plaque or tartar, the best step you can take in preventing tooth decay and gum disease is to have your teeth cleaned and begin practicing good oral hygiene. Let Easton Dental clinic help restore your mouth to a clean, beautiful smile!