Decline in Dazzle: Understanding 7 Causes for the Dimming of Your Pearly Whites
Bringing your pearly whites up a notch doesn't come cheap, but it's worth it, right? Professional teeth whitening can break the bank and those blinding "zingers" from stripping away enamel...ouch! Money, time, and pain all for a brighter smile. But what if you're not ready to commit to that level just yet? Let's discuss the top habits that give your teeth a yellow hue and how to combat them without feeling like you're sacrificing your sanity.
We tapped Dr. Keith Bracy, a seasoned teeth maestro based in NYC's West Village, known for its sparkling grins, to help unveil the secrets. Without further ado, here's the lowdown:
Seven Habits (You Probably Can't Avoid) That Cause Yellow Teeth
Whodathunkit? Your favorite vices would make the list, right? Chocolate, pasta sauce, coffee, red wine, dark cola, even curries, soy sauce, and more. Surprisingly, they're the most likely culprits when it comes to tooth staining. But hey, forget about skipping those indulgences. Instead, focus on giving your teeth a quick scrub-down after each indulgence. As Dr. Bracy puts it, "a normal human diet will naturally stain your enamel." So, minimize the damage as best you can: By cleaning up after yourself. Then, plan for regular whitening touch-ups between more significant professional sessions.
Brushing and flossing aren't just important; they're essential. Bracing yourself for a little dental lesson? Brushing frequently (2-3 times daily) and for the recommended time (at least 2 minutes) and covering all corners of your mouth is the winning formula. And while it might seem like flossing after every meal is a waste of time, the most crucial thing is to floss before bedtime, ensuring food particles don't linger throughout the night and lead to plaque buildup.
Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned cash and time on a brighter smile. But if you're not feeling the urge, stop comparing yourself to the picture-perfect smiles plastered across screens. "Stop comparing your smile to the superficial smiles you see everywhere, and accept that your smile might just be the one you were born with," says Dr. Bracy. "Many people with exceptionally bright smiles did not get that way naturally. They sought professional whitening treatments or underwent procedures such as veneers to brighten their grins."
If you're determined to make your smile shine, chat with your dentist about the best plan of action or for professional advice on the safest and most practical at-home solutions for you. Oh, and let's not forget Dr. Bracy himself, who's happy to lend an expert opinion on the subject.
So, what makes it to the list of smiling slip-ups? Nothing less than the mighty cigarette. Its powerful impact on your teeth isn't limited to just the tobacco, either. "Even cannabis use can lead to tooth discoloration," Dr. Bracy warns. "Cannabis contains the same staining molecules called tannins, also found in tea leaves."
As when it comes to fine wine and wrong turns, age doesn't make things better. Just like your hair and skin start to show signs of aging, so does your enamel. "Teeth become more resistant to professional whitening techniques with age," Dr. Bracy explains. "However, age does not mean you can't achieve a brighter smile. Patients of all ages can enjoy the benefits of whitening treatments."
Neglecting regular dental cleanings is a missed opportunity when it comes to smart oral health. "Patients often avoid routine dental cleanings but are concerned about the color of their teeth," says Dr. Bracy. "Dental cleanings remove surface-level stains, so it's essential to prioritize them."
So, invest in whitening toothpaste, but remember it's not a one-stop solution for a stunning smile. Instead, look for tooth whitening systems that utilize custom whitening trays for an even coverage and long-term results. Stick with these trays for regular touch-ups every few months, or whenever you need a quick boost for a special occasion. As long as your dental work hasn't drastically changed, those trays should last for years, making it easy to purchase refill gel from your dentist.
- While chocolate, pasta sauce, coffee, red wine, and dark cola are common food and drink culprits for yellow teeth staining, it's important to still maintain good oral hygiene by giving your teeth a quick scrub-down after indulging in these items.
- Regular dental cleanings should not be neglected as they remove surface-level stains and are essential for maintaining a bright smile, especially with aging teeth that may be more resistant to professional whitening techniques.
