Yellow teeth are not perceived well in a society that is preoccupied with appearance and sees blinding white smiles from magazine covers every day. But what causes yellow teeth, and how to prevent it?
There are two reasons why your teeth may gradually change color. The first is well known. These are foods and drinks that directly stain teeth . In this article, we will look at 8 main products.
The second reason is less common. It lies in the acidity of some foods and drinks, which erase the white enamel from the teeth. Carbonated drinks, for example, are highly acidic and regular consumption can damage enamel.
Why do teeth turn yellow?
Initially, tooth enamel has a natural white color. Unfortunately, as you erase, it becomes more transparent. At this moment, the underlying layer, the dentin, begins to show through it. This layer, unlike enamel, has a yellowish tint.
Therefore, the thinner the enamel, the yellower the tooth becomes. And that's why many older people have yellow teeth. Over time, teeth have every chance of losing their white protective layer.
8 foods and drinks that lead to yellowing of teeth
The following is a list of foods and drinks that strongly affect tooth staining. And they not only leave stains on the teeth, but are also acid-forming. Therefore, they can deprive the teeth of enamel, which will doubly affect the color of the smile.
Some of the foods on this list are harmful and should be avoided. But there are also some that are beneficial. Here you will find simple tips on how to minimize the harm from these products.
Black tea
Black tea is rich in tannin, which stains the teeth. And tea is considered one of the most problematic drinks for teeth.
It is even worse if you drink tea along with other foods or drinks that affect the color of your teeth. This is because tannin enhances the effect of coloring compounds that are deposited on the surface of the enamel.
Green tea causes less problems. It is also more useful, so in the future it is worth switching to it.
Coca-cola, carbonated and sports drinks
Cola and many carbonated drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids, as well as large amounts of acid-forming sugar. And they wear away tooth enamel.
There is an old myth that if you leave a tooth in a stake for a day, it will completely dissolve. But he was refuted by the results of experiments. At the same time, the tooth changed its color overnight, and completely blackened in a week. Therefore, cola is not the drink that should be consumed often.
Although cola stains teeth and is highly acidic, sodas without dyes are not much safer. Their level of acidity harms tooth enamel. Recent studies also show that so-called "sports drinks" contain even more damaging acids than cola or Pepsi.
Sweet candy
Lollipops and brightly colored candies pose a danger to teeth not only because of their high sugar content. Another problem is how long candy is in the mouth.
The longer you chew candy, the more damage it does to protecting your teeth. This also applies to all other foods and drinks on this list. If they stain your tongue, I will make your teeth yellow too.
Red and white wine
Red wine stains teeth due to its tannin and phenol content. White wine is no exception, as it contains tannin and has sufficient acidity. That is, it can enhance the effect of other coloring products.
So don't think that if you drink only white wine, you will be able to protect your teeth from unpleasant yellow plaque.
Curry and other sauces
Brightly colored sauces like curry or sweet chili can linger on the enamel due to its porous structure. Therefore, it is undesirable for such products to be in contact with the teeth for an extended period of time.
Curiously, if you eat a salad of fresh or steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, they create a protective layer on the enamel and reduce the chance of yellow stains on the teeth. Therefore, eat vegetables, especially before eating the main dishes.
condiments
Seasonings such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and ketchup contribute to the appearance of yellow plaque on the teeth. The following are simple guidelines on how to avoid the effects of all these products.
fruit juices
While store-bought fruit juices are not on par with colas or weird-colored sports drinks, they are more acidic than many people realize. Juices of bright colors are especially harmful to teeth.
Freshly squeezed juices do not pose such a danger to the teeth, but you should also be careful with them.
Fruits and vegetables in bright colors
Fruits, berries, and vegetables like pomegranate, blueberries, and beets are very healthy, but contain coloring compounds (phenol). These products help our body, but harm the color of the teeth.
Instead of avoiding the healthy foods on this list, here are 2 ways to minimize their staining effect.
2 ways to prevent yellowing of teeth
Now that you've learned about the negative effects of your favorite foods and drinks, you're more likely to decide to brush your teeth right after eating them. But it's not right. The enamel of the teeth becomes softer after such a meal, and the effect lasts for at least half an hour. If you brush your teeth during this period, you can weaken the enamel . Fortunately, it will become harder within an hour, and then you can take up the brush without any problems. But it is better to use the option with soft bristles.
Remember 2 simple things to do after eating the foods or drinks on the list:
- First, after eating, fill your mouth with water and swish it around to wash away all acids and coloring compounds. This will help keep the color of your teeth.
- Secondly, after eating, try to collect a lot of saliva in your mouth so that it covers all your teeth. This is easier to do after rinsing with water. Saliva is a natural defense of the mouth that protects the enamel and prevents discoloration of the teeth.
You've probably heard that sugar-free gum should be used after eating. This recommendation has the same goals. But it's best to avoid this option (most sugar-free gums contain the potentially dangerous aspartame). After rinsing your mouth with water, it will be easy to collect saliva and achieve the same result.
And when it becomes a habit, your teeth will remain protected even after eating staining foods and drinks.
Teeth whitening
More and more people are resorting to the use of various methods of whitening. If you already have yellowed teeth, then this option will help you get a snow-white smile as soon as possible.
One option is for home use. Recently, their quality has increased, and the effect is comparable to the procedure at the dentist. Some brands are better than others. I recommend Zero Peroxide. This is the only brand that does not use hydrogen peroxide and therefore protects your enamel.
Whitening services are provided by most dentists. Several visits may be required depending on the condition of your teeth. For most dentists, this procedure costs about 25,000-40,000 rubles.
Conclusion
The purpose of this article is not to convince you to never again consume the foods and drinks on the list (although it is still worth giving up carbonated drinks, as this will benefit not only the teeth, but also the body as a whole).
The essence of the article is to explain to you the causes of yellowing of the teeth and give advice on how to avoid it when using different drinks and foods. Your smile may not be as white as the cover models, but white enough to feel free to show it off.
