Human teeth are vulnerable to damage, and one of the earliest signs that something is wrong is when they start to yellow.
Yellow teeth are all too common for people – it affects everyone regardless of age, race, gender, and health condition. Teeth play a crucial role in improving (and retaining) a person’s confidence, so it’s no surprise that people spend a lot of money to keep them white.
Keeping teeth white is a challenge in itself, according to dental professionals at teeth whitening Adelaide. One reason is the food people eat, i.e., coffee, tomato, curry, soy sauce, and red wine. Life-long smokers also suffer from yellow teeth, same as those who fail to brush regularly.
Professional and in-home teeth whitening offer convenient solutions to prevent yellowing. Yet, not everyone is sold by the idea of using products (primarily artificial) to retain the natural colour of the teeth. Skeptics argue that some procedures can even cause damage.
There’s more to yellow teeth than aesthetics – they are indicative of an unhealthy lifestyle. Experts reveal the following factors as the likeliest culprits:
- An unhealthy diet primarily made up of excessive consumption of carbohydrates and coffee
- Underlying health problems like diabetes
- Thinning of the enamel caused by teeth wear and tear
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
The pros at teeth whitening Adelaide suggest that people shouldn’t focus solely on professional solutions. Several other teeth whitening procedures can be done at home. For example, a recent PubMed Central study found out that apple cider vinegar effectively whitens the teeth. However, it shouldn’t be used daily because the acid may damage the teeth’s surface over time.
Dental professionals recommend brushing the teeth at least twice a day, with every session lasting for at least three minutes. Those who already have yellowish teeth, using toothpaste with teeth whitening ingredients like baking soda can help.
A healthy diet also helps keep the teeth white. Medical experts contend that there’s a link between pearly white teeth and the regular consumption of food rich in fibre and vitamin C. The choices include fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, foods that contribute to yellow teeth include beetroot, coffee, and berries.
Going back to toothpaste, tooth discolouration can be remedied by using products containing activated charcoal, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Activated charcoal works by removing the stain in the tooth, effectively retaining its original colour. Aside from toothpaste, it can also be purchased in capsules where the product can be rubbed on the teeth.
Like activated charcoal, the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combination is a natural stain remover that doesn’t need any fancy preparation. Dentists recommend combining one part baking soda and two parts hydrogen peroxide if there’s no ready-made toothpaste.
For severe tooth discolouration cases, anyone can visit a cosmetic dentist for an aggressive professional tooth whitening solution. The effects are more immediate and long-lasting, but it comes at a significant price.
