The trouble with yellow teeth

Plaque, a sticky substance made of bacteria in the mouth, can cause yellow teeth. When you brush, the hard-to-reach areas are often left out and this is where bacteria thrive. If you do not brush your teeth effectively, plaque will eventually accumulate and harden into tartar, which will then cause yellow teeth.

Apples, potatoes, coffee, tea, and soft drinks can stain teeth. These are acidic and can erode tooth enamel, which can therefore harm the teeth and expose the dentin, a layer that is yellow in color.

Not only is smoking bad for your health, it can also be bad for oral health due to the chemicals like nicotine and tar found in tobacco. It can turn teeth yellow and in the long run even leave brown stains.

We have all heard that fluoride is good for the teeth and that it will make your teeth stronger and prevent tooth decay. But too much fluoride can be bad for your teeth and lead to dental fluorosis or the discoloration of the tooth enamel. Though children below 8-years-old are more affected by this problem, it would also help to know your intake of fluoride to avoid any coloration.

High fluoride water and dental products such as your toothpaste are the usual sources of fluoride in our daily lives. The recommended amount of fluoride in toothpaste is 1500ppm, or roughly the size of a pea and less than 2mg/liter in water.

As we age, our bodies change and our teeth are no exception. Over time, the outermost layer of teeth called the enamel get worn out and expose the following layer called the dentin, which is yellow in color.

Children below 8 years old or whose teeth are still developing are also susceptible to having yellow or stained teeth if they are given antibiotics with tetracycline and doxycycline, which treat bacterial infections. Pregnant women who take these medications will also cause their child to develop yellow stained teeth.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, antihistamines, anti-hypertensives and antipsychotic drugs can also stain teeth.

One common misconception of oral hygiene is to brush right after eating. It does give your mouth a fresh feeling, but did you know that dental enamel is softer after you eat and becomes vulnerable to thinning? So wait a while before you brush after meals to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth.

Drinking water can wash away acidic substances from the food you eat. Since it is recommended to not brush right away after meals, this is a good practice to consider so that food particles left in between teeth may also be removed.

Brushing at least twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly should be a habit. The Philippines is known to have friendly smiles but unfortunately, studies have shown that Filipinos tend to have poor oral health . Do your research and give your teeth and gums the care it deserves.

Hard to reach areas in between your teeth are the breeding grounds of bacteria that can potentially harm your teeth. Instead of using flat angled brushes that only clean the surface of your teeth, opt to use a toothbrush with angled bristles designed to easily reach and clean in between teeth.