Re: Teeth
Originally Posted by
wild blueberry
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I agree Muddy, bad teeth are very aging.
My problem is the yellowing. I brush my teeth all the time, I go for a cleaning every 6 months, yet my teeth still look yellow. Some say it is my red hair.
I have a partial in the top and one in the bottom as well. I don't get many fillings.
Sorry this is so long folks, but it quite informative about why our teeth can yellow:
So why are my teeth yellow?
Let’s look at the things that may be responsible for your teeth going yellow.
Stained teeth from smoking
Smokers are prone to yellower teeth.
Smoking makes your teeth yellow because of the tar, nicotine and other chemicals carried in the smoke. These seep into the pores in your tooth enamel, staining its natural colour.
A study conducted in 2005 found that 28% of smokers had moderate to severe levels of tooth discolouration, compared to 15% of non-smokers. The study also revealed that smokers were generally less satisfied with the state of their teeth.
E-cigarettes may not discolour teeth to the same degree, but they still contain nicotine which becomes yellow when it mixes with oxygen.
There are other oral health problems associated with smoking, too. For example, nicotine causes gums to recede and can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Slack oral hygiene
If you notice a yellow buildup on your teeth, it’s probably plaque or tartar. Plaque forms when bacteria from food and drink particles aren’t cleaned properly from your teeth. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
This yellow coating can form on or around your teeth if you don’t brush often enough or thoroughly enough. Not only does it look bad, it contributes to bad breath and a whole load of other oral health complications.
Your diet
It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that the things you put into your mouth have an effect on the colour of your teeth. If your teeth are stained yellow, it might be because of foods such as these:
Coffee and tea
Red wine
Curries
Tomato sauces
Berries
Soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar
Beetroot
There are other foods and drinks which, although they don’t cause staining themselves, contain acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. This reduces the ‘whiteness’ of your teeth and also leaves them more susceptible to staining. Watch out for:
bad for teeth
It may seem like a healthy option but beware the acidity of fruit juice
Fizzy drinks (heavily coloured ones can also cause stains)
Citrus fruits and juices
Sports drinks
Sugary foods
Artificial sweetners
White wine and many other alcoholic drinks
Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming these products will help minimise the damage from any acid.
Ageing
As if getting older wasn’t bad enough, it’s natural for your teeth to become yellow as you age. This is because the protective enamel layer becomes thinner, revealing more of the yellow dentin underneath.
Genetics
If you have had yellowish teeth all your life, your parents may be to blame. Genetic variances can affect tooth colour and enamel porosity – and more porous enamel is more liable to stain.
Medication or illness
Some antibiotics such as tetracycline and amoxicillin can affect the colour of teeth, especially in younger children. Drugs prescribed to adults for allergies and high blood pressure may also have this side effect. Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about this.
Certain illnesses, particularly those that affect the liver, can result in discoloured teeth. Patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer may also find their teeth turning a brownish hue.
Teeth whitening treatment is not usually covered by the NHS, but exceptions may be made in cases where there is a medical reason for the discolouration.