Why Is Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day So Important?
The question you asked suggests that you may be brushing your teeth once per day. That’s not enough! You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal. If you’re not doing that, it’s one of the reasons why your teeth are yellow.
It’s important because brushing removes plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque will typically harden after 24 hours, becoming tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove, and can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. So, you should brush your teeth more than once every 24 hours, and floss once per day.
But if you do have good oral hygiene, then there are other possibilities why your pearly whites have lost their luster. Below, we’ll discuss 7 possible answers to the question “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?”.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?
Now, you might ask: why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday according to the dentist’s recommendation? Here are the possible causes:
- You’re using the wrong toothbrush.
- You’re brushing too hard.
- You have dental fluorosis.
- You have yellow teeth due to smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products.
- You’re eating and drinking things that stain teeth.
- Your tooth enamel is thinning with age.
- You have a serious dental infection.
Causes of Yellow Teeth and Stains
Below, we’ll go over each of these possible causes in more detail, as well as the home remedies and professional treatments available to help you get rid of yellow teeth.
Using the Wrong Type of Toothbrush
If you’re using a hard-bristled toothbrush, that could be why your teeth are still yellow even if you brush them everyday. Hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel, especially paired with a highly abrasive toothpaste. Without strong enamel, the dentin in your teeth (which is yellow) will show through.
The solution is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth instead of whitening toothpaste. That way, you can avoid damaging your enamel while still getting rid of plaque and tartar buildup.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
If you’re brushing your teeth too hard, that could also be the answer to “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?”. When you brush too hard, you can damage your tooth enamel and make your gums recede. That will make your teeth look longer, and the yellow dentin will show through. The solution is to brush more gently.
Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is a condition that occurs when children ingest too much fluoride while their teeth are developing. It can cause white spots or streaks on the teeth, as well as yellowing. The discoloration can remain into adulthood. Tooth bleaching is the recommended solution for mild cases, and enamel microabrasion is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help in more severe cases to get whiter teeth.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can also lead to yellow teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco will stain your teeth, and the habit can also cause gum disease. If you’re a smoker, the best solution is to quit.
Eating Staining Food & Drinking Staining Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can also cause your teeth to become yellow. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas are all common culprits. Foods like blueberries, curry, and soy sauce can also cause staining.
The best solution is to cut back on these foods and drinks, or brush your teeth immediately after consuming them. You can also try using a straw when drinking staining beverages, which will help to avoid contact with your teeth. If the stains are persistent, you can book a professional teeth cleaning appointment.
Thinning Enamel With Age
As you age, your tooth enamel will naturally begin to thin. That’s why older adults are more likely to have yellow teeth. The solution is to take extra care of your teeth as you age, and to see your dentist regularly.
Dental Infection
A serious dental infection can also cause your teeth to become yellow. The infection could be in your tooth, gums, or even the bone supporting your teeth. If you have a yellow tooth that’s also painful, it’s important to see a dentist right away. The sooner you get treatment, the better.
When to Consider a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
If your teeth have always been yellow, or if you’ve tried whitening strips and other home remedies without success, it might be time to consider a professional teeth whitening treatment. These treatments are much more powerful than anything you can do at home, and they can get your teeth several shades lighter in just one appointment.
If you’re considering a professional teeth whitening treatment, be sure to book an appointment with a reputable dentist. They can assess your teeth and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
There you have it! We hope you found your answer to “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?”. If not, be sure to see a dentist for an evaluation.
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