Everyone wants a bright smile, but sometimes some things in life make our teeth less than pearly white. What about YOUR smile? Have you looked to see if there’s any yellowing in and around your teeth? If so, don’t panic! Your holistic dentist in Wilmington is here to help. But first, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of yellow teeth or staining (and how you can limit or avoid them.)
One of the biggest reasons your teeth might be changing colors is due to time. As part of the aging and growth process, it’s not uncommon for teeth to lose a bit of their natural brightness. This is mainly caused by the breakdown of your tooth’s enamel, a protective coating that’s durable but susceptible to decay and discoloration.
Sometimes both prescription and non-prescription medications can cause yellow teeth in both children and adults. Has your kiddo been prescribed antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline? Children under the age of eight are susceptible to stained teeth. In grownups, drugs such as antihistamines, high blood pressure pills, and antipsychotic medications can cause yellow teeth, too. It’s essential to speak with your family’s physician about any medications they recommend you take and the side effects that can come with them.
Just about every kind of tobacco product runs the risk of staining your teeth, especially with long-term use. Whether you smoke cigarettes and cigars or use chewing tobacco, there’s a good chance your teeth will become discolored or yellow. (They can also significantly increase your risk for oral cancer, so the best time to quit is today. Talk to your Wilmington holistic dentist if you need help.)
If you’re forgetting or hurrying your at-home oral health care routine, your teeth could be lacking in the right amount of cleanliness. When you’re not doing the brushing and flossing basics, it’s easy for plaque and tartar to build up, causing yellowing and staining.
Believe it or not, yellowing teeth could be something you’re predisposed to simply because of the genetic makeup you’ve inherited from fellow family members. This is actually an extremely common cause of discoloration. Heredity can also make your teeth naturally brighter or have thicker tooth enamel compared to others.
If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, maybe it’s time you called our holistic dental office in Wilmington. We have effective take-home smile whitening that can get rid of your yellow teeth and other minor discolorations. We also have other cosmetic dentistry services such as porcelain veneers and bonding that can offer more long-term solutions to your teeth whitening needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!