Teeth color
Yellow teeth are a source of discomfort and embarrassment in most interpersonal relationships. In addition to making the aesthetics and harmony of the smile unpleasant, the yellow teeth also negatively affect the general image of the person. Not surprisingly, a smile is one of the first things that comes to mind when communicating with others and in these circumstances having yellow teeth is certainly not a good calling card.
But it's not always like this. Having teeth that are yellow or have more color than the much desired whiteness is not always synonymous with poor oral hygiene. Let's find out why.
Did you know that ...
The color of each individual's teeth is a strictly individual and unique feature. Not all people, in fact, have a candid white teeth. Many people, for example, have a tooth coloring that naturally tends to shades of yellow, just as there are individuals whose teeth have a color that tends to gray.
Therefore, it is the case to "worry" about the yellow teeth only when they turn yellow during life altering their natural color, which is white, tending to gray or tending to yellow.
Causes
The yellowing of the teeth recognizes many different causes of origin, which are not always easily identifiable. Even a meticulous and devoted person to oral hygiene, for example, can notice unsightly and ungainly yellow spots on their teeth. This is because the pigments contained in some foods (such as licorice, coffee, tea, chocolate and caramel) and colored drinks can be fixed in the superficial layers of the enamel or even push themselves deep down to the dentin. Similarly, chewing tobacco can also promote a progressive yellowing of the tooth surface. Not to mention, then, cigarette smoking: the combination "yellow teeth-smoker" is now universally known.
To conclude, let us remember that the (inevitable) advancement of age favors a chromatic alteration of the teeth, whose color often tends to fade from pale yellow to brownish. However, it is important to emphasize that the color of the teeth is genetically predisposed, and is influenced both by the thickness of the enamel and by the underlying dentine.
Prevention
How to prevent the appearance of Yellow Teeth
Considering that a diet rich in coffee, licorice, colored drinks and gummy candies is one of the most frequent causes of yellow teeth, it is a good rule to weigh the consumption of these foods. When you really can't manage without it, after having taken coffee, liquorice or other "enemy" teeth, it is advisable to immediately use toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Furthermore, the smoking habit is a vice that should be eliminated. Smokers, as well as chewing tobacco lovers, have to come to terms with their typically yellowish teeth; therefore, it is advisable to minimize the number of cigarettes during the day or - even better - stop smoking.
Whiten the Yellow Teeth
Methods and Products for Yellow Teeth Whitening
Of course, Photoshop can whiten yellow teeth with a simple graphic retouch, but its effect (unfortunately) is only virtual. Although there is still no magic wand that can make yellow teeth shine in the blink of an eye, you can take advantage of some simple and quite effective tricks. The products available for whitening yellow teeth are really many and range from natural and do-it-yourself remedies to chemical whitening and professional whitening techniques performed by dentists.
Natural and DIY remedies
As with many other aesthetic problems and minor ailments, Mother Nature also helps us on this occasion, offering a wide range of natural whitening products, indicated for yellow teeth.
Among the most noteworthy natural remedies, we recall:
- Sodium bicarbonate : remedy against yellow teeth, to be used however with moderation. An excessive use of toothpastes or sodium bicarbonate powders can damage tooth enamel, paradoxically favoring the formation of stains, cariogenic processes, gingival bleeding, dental hypersensitivity and even pulpitis.
- Sage : a fresh sage leaf rubbed on the teeth is a relatively effective natural remedy to counteract yellow teeth. At the same time, the use of sage helps to counteract any halitosis problems.
- Malic acid derived from some fruits . Applied on yellow teeth, the pulp of strawberries and apples (rich in malic acid) can soften ocher stains and whiten yellow teeth.
- Lemon (gargle with lemon juice and rubbing of its peel directly on the teeth). Lemon is a natural remedy particularly suitable for removing yellow stains from teeth damaged by cigarette smoke. However, remember that the lemon should not be used daily to whiten yellow teeth: such behavior can cause damage to the enamel due to the excessive acidity of the lemon.
For more information on natural methods to whiten your teeth, see the article: Natural Teeth Whitening.
Chemical Whiteners and Professional Whitening of Yellow Teeth
When the yellow patina that covers the teeth is particularly tenacious to remove with natural remedies, it remains only to resort to the chemical whitening of the teeth. Also in this case, the possibilities to lighten the teeth from the spots are numerous and different:
- Professional bleaching with 35-38% hydrogen peroxide or sodium bicarbonate (must be performed by the dentist).
- Teeth whitening with a laser.
- Application of customized soft silicone masks containing carbamide peroxide (another bleaching agent).
- Whitening pen for teeth (do-it-yourself remedy to whiten yellow teeth).
To learn more, read the articles: Yellow Teeth Remedies and Teeth Whitening Products
